Sen. Susan Collins, Republican of Maine, has publicly accused a Democratic colleague of blocking efforts to safeguard the state’s vital lobster industry. Collins says Sen. Maria Cantwell (D‑Washington) has repeatedly opposed measures that would extend a regulatory pause intended to protect both the lobster fishery and the endangered North Atlantic right whale.
Legislative background
The bill, known as the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act, was introduced in the House by Rep. Jared Golden (D‑Maine) and Rep. Mike Lawler (R‑New York). It cleared the House in September and now awaits Senate action. The legislation would extend an existing pause on new federal regulations that could impose costly restrictions on lobster harvesting, keeping the pause in place until 2035.
Economic stakes for Maine
According to the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, the lobster industry generates roughly $2 billion in annual economic activity and supports more than 17,500 jobs across the state’s coastal communities. Senators Collins and Angus King (I‑Maine) wrote to the Senate Commerce Committee emphasizing that the pause is essential to protect these jobs and the broader state economy.
Senate leadership’s response
Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz praised Collins for her leadership on the issue, calling her efforts “instrumental” in advancing protection for Maine’s lobstermen. Cruz said he hopes the bill can be placed on President Trump’s desk without further changes or delay when Congress reconvenes in November.
Democratic perspective
Sen. Cantwell is scheduled to travel to Maine for a listening session with lobstermen, accompanied by Democratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson. The visit is intended to gather input from the fishing community, though Collins and Cruz contend that Cantwell has previously worked against extending regulatory relief.
Next steps
The Senate will consider the bill when it returns to session in November. If passed, the extended pause would give Maine’s lobster fishery additional time before any new federal rules aimed at protecting the right whale could affect harvesting practices. Both parties acknowledge the importance of the industry to Maine’s coastal identity and economy, even as they differ on the best regulatory approach.
Local impact
For Maine’s coastal towns, the outcome of this legislation could mean continued stability for family‑run lobster businesses that have been a cornerstone of the region for generations. Residents and industry leaders alike are watching the Senate’s deliberations closely, hoping for a resolution that balances environmental stewardship with economic vitality.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
