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NMFS promulgated a Marine Mammal Protection Act Incidental Take Regulation (ITR) in 2019 for Hilcorp Alaska LLC (Hilcorp) oil and gas production activities in Cook Inlet, AK.  Environmental groups sued and prevailed on the claim that NMFS' administrative record was insufficient on the issue of whether a specific type of tug boat noise will result in take of marine mammals. On remand, Hilcorp requested an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) for its remaining activities involving tug boats, rather than the lengthier process needed to amend the rule to allow for a Letter of Authorization (LOA).  This was an option because Hilcorp had completed or abandoned all other activities that the rule covers, and needed take authorization for tug boat use in a timelier fashion than amending the rule allowed. This rule will invalidate/remove the existing Incidental Take Regulations as Hilcorp has no plans to conduct activity under the regulations. The ITR serves no further purpose because no other activities will take place under the ITR. Moreover, public comments on NMFS's proposed IHA makes clear that there is confusion and concern about the fact that the ITR is still on the books at the same time as the IHA.  Because the ITR is no longer needed Hilcorp will not seek any more LOAs under the ITR -- Hilcorp has requested withdrawal of the regulations from the Code of Federal Regulations.  This will eliminate public confusion.