Milestone Extension: Endangered Species Act Consultation (NOAA-NMFS)
The final ESA milestone was extended to be consistent with previous project schedule extension due to the last government shutdown (the EIS timing was extended, which necessitated an extension of MMPA dates). Having the EIS, MMPA, and ESA dates coincide will streamline the process compared to how it currently exists. If NMFS is able to work with FERC and AGDC on all marine-mammal-related permitting issues concurrently, it will save delays caused by the need to reinitiate formal section 7 consultation based upon changes in the action (e.g.