Q:

Will the plan create new regulations?

A:

No, the plan will not create new regulations. The Marine Spatial Plan addresses the need for coordinated decision-making across entities by providing common information, analyses, and recommendations for potential uses that support decisions. It will also provide mechanisms for coordinating review of proposals and implementing the plan across agencies. The plan does not supersede existing laws and must be implemented through existing state and local authorities.

According to the state law: “No authority is created under this chapter to affect in any way any project, use, or activity in the state’s marine waters existing prior to or during the development and review of the marine management plan. No authority is created under this chapter to supersede the current authority of any state agency or local government.” (RCW 43.372.060)

For more details, see the SEPA document.