Description:
Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires federal agencies to consult with NOAA Fisheries when any project or action they take might affect an ESA-listed species under NOAA Fisheries’ jurisdiction, or might affect such species’ critical habitat. ESA-listed species and critical habitat exist throughout much of the area affected by the AK LNG project. The proposed action may affect these resources, therefore Section 7 consultation is required.
Milestones:
This target timeline is dependent on receipt of a consultation request from NMFS Office of Protected Resources, Permits and Conservation Division, consisting of a Section 7 reinitiation request memo, LOA application, and draft proposed rule for the MMPA Incidental Take Authorization.
This date is dependent upon NOAA Fisheries receiving sufficient information (a complete request package consisting of a Section 7 reinitiation request memo, LOA application, and draft proposed rule for the MMPA Incidental Take Authorization) from NMFS Office of Protected Resources, Permits and Conservation Division to deem the package complete and initiate the ESA consultation.
The final completion date is contingent upon NOAA Fisheries receiving sufficient information that NOAA Fisheries determines adequate to initiate ESA consultation.