A new bridge over the Columbia River will get a pass on disturbing marine mammals

The US government is proposing to allow a major bridge construction project to disturb marine mammals for five years. This means the project can proceed without facing penalties for noise and activity that might affect local seals and sea lions.

Major infrastructure projects often face delays and increased costs due to environmental regulations, especially those protecting marine life. This proposed rule provides a specific exemption for a large, multi-year project. It sets a precedent for how future large-scale construction near sensitive habitats might navigate environmental protections.