Lawmakers Oppose Coastline Drilling
Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md., 5th) is part of formalized opposition to drilling for oil and gas off the Chesapeake Bay and Maryland’s coastline. Congressman Hoyer joins US Sens. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), as well as state Reps. Elijah E. Cummings (Md.-07), C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (Md.-02), John Sarbanes (Md.-03), John K. Delaney (Md.-06), Anthony G. Brown (Md.-04), and Jamie Raskin (Md.-08).
The group of lawmakers have sent formal comments to the US Department of the Interior and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in strong opposition to Trump’s plan, which would open up coasts nationwide to oil and gas exploration.
On Jan. 4, 2018, the Department of the Interior announced its Draft Proposed Program for Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas leasing for 2019-2024, which aims to replace the Obama administration’s current leasing plan for 2017-2027 that left the mid-Atlantic coastline free and safe from such new activity. The Trump plan would open all areas of the country’s coast to offshore drilling.
“Maryland’s inclusion in the draft proposal is heavily opposed in our state, as it threatens the livelihood of countless businesses and communities with significant interests in our fisheries and tourism industries,” the lawmakers wrote in their opposition letter.
“Should oil and gas development be permitted in these waters, a potential oil spill could do untold harm to our fisheries, tourism industry, and environment … We believe that when you have had a chance to consider the consequences of this proposal on our military, the State’s economy, and the environment, you will reach a similar conclusion,” the letter reads.
The lawmakers urge other Maryland residents to submit comments before the March 9 deadline. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said that he will take “into consideration the local and state voice” when plans for off-shore drilling are finalized.
The full letter can be found here.
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