The latest Trump administration attack on our environment is a review by the Department of Commerce of National Marine Sanctuaries and National Monuments. This review seeks to open up our precious, protected marine habitats for drilling and mining. Included in this review is the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, which protects habitat for many rare and endangered species, including species of deep sea coral found nowhere else on Earth. These sanctuaries and monuments offer protection for some of the most vulnerable and rare habitats and species. 

It is vital that we make sure that each of the areas remains protected. The Department of Commerce has extended the period in which it is accepting public comments on the designations of these marine monuments and sanctuaries until August 15. Visit www.regulations.gov and type in NOAA-NOS-2017-0066-37125 to make your voice heard. 

Phoebe Sauter

Environment Connecticut

Hartford