How do I submit a public comment on Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities?

The public comment window for this decision closed on January 28, 2026. The record of what was at stake stays on this page.

When is the public comment deadline for Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities?

The comment window closed on January 28, 2026.

Do public comments actually change federal decisions?

Yes, when they are substantive. Agencies are legally required to read and respond to substantive comments before finalizing a rule, and specific personal comments about real places and real uses carry far more weight than identical form letters. Courts have overturned rules when agencies ignored substantive comments.

Affects public lands

Oppose Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities

Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Pacific Gas & Electric Sediment Remediation Project, Remedial Response Area C, San Francisco Bay

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration· San Francisco BayFederal Register 2025-23798 ↗

Wildlife Clean water Marine Mammals Construction Remediation

NMFS is seeking public comments on a request from Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) to take (harass) marine mammals incidental to a sediment remediation project in San Francisco Bay, CA. If approved, an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act would legally permit limited, unintentional disturbance of marine mammals during construction activities. Marine mammals in San Francisco Bay, including harbor seals and sea lions, could be affected by noise and activity from the remediation work.

In the agency’s own words

NMFS has received a request from Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to construction for a sediment remediation project in San Francisco Bay, CA. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities. NMFS is also requesting comments on a possible one-time, 1-year renewal that could be issued under certain circumstances and if all requirements are met, as described in Request for Public Comments at the end…

Federal Register 2025-23798 ↗

The reporting behind this

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