Comment from Alan Gaul
Alan GaulOpposeAcademic
Summary: A postdoctoral scholar at an R-1 university opposes the proposed regulations because they would limit the ability to communicate research findings to the public. The commenter argues that these restrictions would hinder their ability to help communities plan for and protect critical infrastructure from coastal flooding.
I am a postdoctoral scholar at an R-1 university. My research focuses on processes that impact future sea level across the US coastline. These predictions directly impact US citizens, helping communities and individuals to plan to protect critical infrastructure and homes from coastal flooding. However, provisions §200.421 and §200.450 would limit my ability to speak to the public about my findings. I urge this administration to reconsider these rules. If I cannot communicate the results of my research to the public, I cannot effectively help the public protect coastal infrastructure from coastal flooding.