Maine House Republicans Support Federal Regulatory Pause for Lobster Industry

House Republicans were in DC last month meeting with U.S. Senator Collins

STATE HOUSE ? Maine House Republicans today issued a statement in support of efforts by Maine?s Congressional Delegation to include a regulatory pause of six years for Maine?s lobster industry in the omnibus appropriations bill that is expected to pass the Senate and House this week. House Republican Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham (R-Winter Harbor) and Rep. Jim Thorne (R-Carmel) of the Marine Resources Committee were in Washington, DC last month meeting with U.S. Senator Collins to discuss the move and other issues of concern to Maine?s lobster fishing industry.

?The lives and livelihoods of Maine lobster fishing families and the Maine jobs that depend on them, are increasingly being threatened by NOAA?s regulations and outsiders with an agenda,? said House Republican Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham. ?We are pleased that our entire congressional delegation and state leaders, working together, have been able to secure a six-year regulatory pause. Maine House Republicans will use this pause to work with supporters of Maine?s lobster industry to protect the resource and ensure access to the healthy food supply that fishing families provide.?

The omnibus appropriations bill provision:

Deems the current right whale rules sufficient to ensure the continued operation of the lobster and Jonah crab fisheries for six years (through December 31, 2028).
Provides that new regulations for the lobster and Jonah crab fisheries would not take effect for six years (December 31, 2028).
Authorizes a new grant program for fishermen and others within the maritime industry that could fund innovative gear technologies and the monitoring needed to support dynamic fisheries management.?

House Republican Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham (R-Winter Harbor) is a commercial lobster fisherman. He is an outspoken representative of Maine?s lobster fishing families. His efforts include bringing together 151 Republican, Democrat and Independent state legislators from across Maine in support of Maine?s lobster fishing industry.

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