Question Earthority!

“Governor Deval Patrick yesterday signed the nation’s first comprehensive ocean planning law to guide where pipelines should be laid, areas should be protected, and energy projects built. A 17-member advisory commission will help state officials craft a management plan by the end of 2009, and all development within 3 miles of the state’s coastline will have to abide by its rules. The law is designed to help reduce tensions among maritime users and guide energy development, and also could impose stricter safety measures to help prevent accidents such as the 2003 oil spill in Buzzards Bay.” (05/29/08)