The Trump administration this week announced its proposal to open the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Gulf of Mexico, and Arctic Sea to offshore drilling. The plan would be the largest offering of offshore drilling rights in decades.
The following statement is from Jay Ford, Executive Director, Virginia Eastern Shorekeeper:
“This is an absolute wrong-headed move. Opening Virginia’s coasts to offshore drilling endangers our coastal businesses, our marine life, and our one of a kind waters. Offshore drilling represents a threat to our thriving tourism and aquaculture industries. This move also endangers the Hampton Roads economy by making it more difficult for our Military and NASA to operate, risking potentially devastating economic loss regardless of whether or not a spill ever occurs.
Accomack and Northampton Counties along with Virginia Beach all have made their opposition clear because we cannot afford this risk along our coasts. Governor McAuliffe and Governor-elect Northam also oppose this move and, yet Virginia’s coasts will still be opened to this considerable risk.
We want to infrastructure investments that position the Commonwealth to be a global leader in sustainable technologies that will grow our economy into the decades ahead. Instead the administration is doubling down on fossil fuels despite the global shift away from dirty energy sources. The bottom line is that this move is bad for Virginia’s economic future and our environment. Our waters need to be protected for future generations and Virginia Eastern Shorekeeper will be opposing this effort to put our coasts and our economy at risk.”
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We Agree 100% !!!!
I am in total agreement with Jay Ford. This new policy makes sense only in terms of short minded immediate financial gratification. We need to continue moving progressivley forward on alternative clean energy sources.
OK, so let’s stack a slew of windmills off the coast………….erp, the Kennedy’s shut that down in Mass, perish the thought that it interfere with their view, donchaknow.
Cooperate, don’t litigate. We are Americans, we can do it cleanly- as long as the lawyers don’t get involved.
Off shore drilling is a travesty. Our beauty is based on NATURE. Drill, oil spills, rust etc. Welcome to the new Cape Charles.
Who’s backyard would you rather it be done in? I am quite sure you use petroleum in many of your habits.
Would you prefer windmills off the coast, Mrs. Gorske?
Same environmental impact(except the vibrations are found to be far worse for marine life than oil wells), same visual impact but at least the power is green, I guess.
Cooperate, not litigate.