Jaime Herrera Beutler Joins Pacific Northwest Lawmakers in Opposing Oil Drilling Off Washington, Oregon Coast

Washington, D.C. - February 6, 2018 - (The Ponder News) -- Ahead of the Interior Department’s public meeting in Tacoma, Washington on February 5, Washington, Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), led a bicameral, bipartisan group of 16 Pacific Northwest lawmakers in a letter to Secretary Zinke calling for the removal of the Washington/Oregon planning area from the National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2019-2024.

The bipartisan group of lawmakers wrote, “We write to express our strong opposition to inclusion of Pacific Northwest waters in the Trump Administration’s National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2019-2024. The states of Washington and Oregon have made clear through local, state, and federal action, as well as extensive public comment, that oil and gas lease sales off the Pacific Coast are not in the best interest of our economies or environment.”

In addition to Senator Cantwell, Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), Sen. Jeffrey A. Merkley (D-OR), Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA), Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA), Rep. Peter A. DeFazio (D-OR), Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR), Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), Rep. Denny Heck (D-WA), Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), and Rep. Suzan K. DelBene (D-WA) signed the letter.

Oil drilling and exploration off the Pacific Northwest coastline or an oil spill from drilling anywhere along the Pacific coast poses a devastating threat to the fishing, shellfish, and tourism industries at the heart of Washington state’s and Oregon’s economy. The maritime economy in Washington alone contributes $50 billion dollars to the state economy and supports 191,000 jobs. In Oregon, coastal tourism alone generates $1.9 billion in revenues and supports over 20,000 jobs.

“There is a reason it has been decades since the waters off the coasts of Washington and Oregon have been considered for oil and gas leasing,” the lawmakers continue. “Voluminous existing information documents the lack of oil and gas resources; absence of oil and gas industry interest; strong state and local opposition as expressed through laws, goals and policies of affected states; other uses of the waters to support our coastal economies that conflict with oil and gas activities; and extreme environmental and ecological risks.”

Here is a copy of the letter:

The Honorable Ryan Zinke

Secretary, U. S. Department of the Interior

1849 C Street N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20240

Dear Secretary Zinke:

We write to express our strong opposition to inclusion of Pacific Northwest waters in the Trump Administration’s National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2019-2024. The states of Washington and Oregon have made clear through local, state, and federal action, as well as extensive public comment, that oil and gas lease sales off the Pacific Coast are not in the best interest of our economies or environment. The Department of the Interior’s proposal to consider drilling off the states we represent, absent stakeholder support and directly contradicting economic and environmental factors of the region, is a waste of time, government resources, and taxpayer dollars.

The importance of marine resources to our regional economy and the level of local opposition to offshore oil and gas development cannot be overstated. The coasts of Washington and Oregon are home to numerous seafood and tourism-dependent coastal communities. Washington state supports a $50 billion dollar maritime economy and 191,000 maritime related jobs. Oregon’s commercial fisheries contributed over $500 million in personal income to the state in 2016, with an economic impact of more than $2.1 billion. In Oregon, coastal tourism alone generates $1.9 billion in revenues and supports over 20,000 jobs. An oil spill off our shores would jeopardize jobs in commercial, recreational, and tribal fisheries, employment in the seafood processing industry, a robust tourism and recreation economy, a historic shipbuilding industry, and the clean water required for critical regional and international trade and transportation routes.

There is a reason it has been decades since the waters off the coasts of Washington and Oregon have been considered for oil and gas leasing. Voluminous existing information documents the lack of oil and gas resources; absence of oil and gas industry interest; strong state and local opposition as expressed through laws, goals and policies of affected states; other uses of the waters to support our coastal economies that conflict with oil and gas activities; and extreme environmental and ecological risks.

From healthy beaches serving as tourism hubs on the coast, to the 3,188 square mile pristine Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, protecting our sustainable marine resources is a priority for our states. As you finalize the Draft National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2019-2024, we urge you to remove the Washington/Oregon planning area.

Thank you for your attention to this matter which is of the upmost importance to our constituents.

GOVERNOR WALKER ISSUES STATEMENT ON DEPT. OF INTERIOR’S FIVE-YEAR OFFSHORE LEASING PLAN

Source: Alaska Governor’s Office



Anchorage, AK - January 8, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Governor Bill Walker issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Interior released its new draft Five-Year Oil and Gas Offshore Leasing Program for the Outer Continental Shelf. The proposal includes 19 lease sales in Alaska.

“The Department of Interior’s draft five-year offshore leasing plan is an important step toward allowing Alaskans to responsibly develop our natural resources as we see fit. My administration is committed to responsible resource development, and has established a pattern of working successfully with our Congressional Delegation and federal agencies to unleash Alaska’s energy potential. I thank Secretary Zinke for his Department’s work on this plan, and invite him to cooperatively engage with Alaskans as the plan’s development process continues. We look forward to continued dialogue to ensure that any offshore development takes into account environmental and safety concerns, and robust input from community residents who live, work, and subsist in the lease sale areas included in this proposed plan.” –Governor Bill Walker

The Department’s proposed plan for Outer Continental Shelf leasing for 2019-2024 is available here .


See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site

Reactions to Trump Administration’s Plan to Open Coasts to Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling

Washington, D.C. - January 5, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Lots of people reacted to Trump's decision to expand offshore drilling:

Louie Gohmert (R-TX, 1st)

“It is truly exciting and encouraging that we have a president that is doing all he can to make us completely energy independent. Being energy independent will ensure that we can never be blackmailed by totalitarian nations who provide us any energy. Under this current administration, we are headed on a road that will establish this country as one of the strongest energy superpowers.”

“This move is an important step forward to pursuing our nation’s energy potential. It is refreshing to know that we have a leader in the White House who values the assets this nation has to offer and is willing to take bold, yet common sense steps to both protect and benefit the American people.”

John Garamendi (D-CA, 3rd)

“When I was elected to Congress, the very first bill I introduced was legislation to ban oil and gas drilling off of the Pacific Outer Continental Shelf,” Garamendi said. “The Trump Administration’s plan to expand coastal drilling represents a threat to the health, safety, and environment of every coastal community in the United States. I could not be more strongly opposed, and I will fight this through every possible avenue I have.”

“As Deputy Secretary of the Interior in the Clinton Administration, I worked with Secretary Babbitt and President Clinton to severely limit offshore oil and gas exploration in the same areas that are now being opened by President Trump and Secretary Zinke. As Lieutenant Governor, I served as Chair of the State Lands Commission. During that time, I refused to permit any new oil drilling off the California Coast because of the risks of ecological and economic disaster. Since then, catastrophes like the Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf Coast have made it clear that the risks are far too great. Coastal governors across the country, including Republicans, oppose this plan. President Trump and Secretary Zinke should listen to them, rather than doing the bidding of their oil industry donors.”

In January 2009, as Lieutenant Governor and Chair of the State Lands Commission, Garamendi was the deciding vote to block new oil drilling at the PXP platform off the Santa Barbara coast. Garamendi also led the fight to oppose an attempt in the legislature to circumvent the decision, putting an end to the effort to open what would have been the first new offshore oil drilling off the California coast in four decades.

Clay Higgins (R-LA, 3rd)

“We are working together with President Trump and his administration to deliver an energy policy that places American families and American industry first. Expanding offshore drilling access in the Gulf of Mexico means more jobs and economic growth for South Louisiana. I am committed to unleashing American energy potential and will continue to fight for Louisiana oil and gas jobs.”

Earlier this year, Congressman Higgins joined 155 Members of both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate on a letter to Secretary Zinke in support of a new 5-year plan that promotes America’s potential for energy dominance.

Richard Hudson (R-NC, 8th)

“I’ve been advocating for environmentally-sound offshore exploration and energy jobs in the Atlantic for years. I’m thrilled we finally have a president who shares my desire to responsibly open North Carolina to energy exploration and energy jobs while protecting our beautiful coastal waters.

“Norway is a prime example that offshore energy development and energy jobs can go hand-in-hand with a healthy environment. The fishing industry, the oil and gas industry, and the tourism industry have safely and successfully coexisted since 1971, with all industries being huge contributors to Norway’s economy. I applaud this announcement and will continue to work to get North Carolina into the energy business to unlock good-paying energy jobs and strengthen our energy security.”

On April 28, Rep. Hudson joined President Donald Trump at the signing of the America First Offshore Energy Executive Order. President Trump’s EO directed the Interior Department to review the current development plan on the Outer Continental Shelf for offshore oil and gas exploration with the goal to unleash American energy and thousands of jobs while maintaining strong environmental safeguards. This EO came shortly after Rep. Hudson sent a letter to President Trump on April 13 urging him to include all proposed Atlantic lease sales in future leasing plans by the Department of the Interior. To view the letter Rep. Hudson sent the administration, click here.

While there has been broad bipartisan support for oil and gas leasing off the southeastern Atlantic coast, the Obama Administration removed the Atlantic lease sale in March 2016. Rep. Hudson has continued to be on the front lines of advancing energy exploration and development in North Carolina. In 2016, he introduced legislation to require the Obama Administration to make Atlantic lease sales off North Carolina’s coast available for offshore exploration and development.

Jared Huffman (D-CA, 2nd)

“Secretary Zinke’s announcement today confirms that the Trump administration is hell-bent on trampling the public interest and further lining the pockets of Big Oil at the expense of clean air, clean water, and the health of the American people,” said Rep. Huffman. “Californians will never let this happen. Our state has shown that we can have a growing economy along with environmental protections, and we have made it very clear, again and again, that we do not want to put our fisheries, our beaches, or our coastal economies at risk just to enrich the fossil fuel industry. The bottom line is that offshore drilling means oil spills, and the risk is even higher now that the Trump administration is weakening offshore safety rules. This reckless proposal for a new offshore drilling spree should face widespread, bipartisan opposition. We’ll fight them in Congress, on the beaches, in the courts, and at the ballot box. I’m confident we’ll defeat this dangerous plan.”

Rep. Huffman has led the fight against offshore drilling in Congress, authoring the West Coast Protection Act to prohibit any new oil and gas drilling off the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington. He also joined with fellow California Representatives Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-San Pedro) and Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) in leading a letter with 36 colleagues opposing new Pacific Ocean lease sales in the Trump administration’s offshore drilling plans. All three West Coast Governors, as well as all six West Coast Senators, oppose new Pacific lease sales, and every Democratic congressional representative from a coastal district in Washington, Oregon, and California has cosponsored Rep. Huffman’s West Coast Protection Act.

Rep. Huffman is also the author of the Stop Arctic Ocean Drilling Act, which has been cosponsored by 60 members of the House of Representatives. He recently led 69 members of Congress in urging Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to protect the Arctic Ocean from dangerous activities by the oil & gas industry and to exclude all new Arctic Ocean lease sales from any future offshore drilling plan.

Darrell Issa (R-CA, 49th)

"It’s not the time to reopen California’s shoreline to new drilling. Secretary Zinke has said that the ‘states and local communities’ will have a voice, but Californians have made themselves clear: they do not want new drilling off our coasts. I will work to ensure that voice is heard and that California’s coastal areas are taken out of consideration."

Pramila Jayapal (D-WA, 7th)

“The Trump administration’s move to open up protected waters to offshore drilling puts millions at risk. It sacrifices shoreline communities, precious natural habitats, and runs roughshod over the local and state representatives around the country who oppose this decision – all to benefit a handful of oil corporations.

“The administration says this is necessary to meet our energy needs. This is nothing but a smokescreen. We can meet our energy needs, take on climate change, and safeguard our Earth by rapidly and justly transitioning to 100 percent renewable energy. We’ve mapped out a clear path to get there by 2050 with the 100 by ‘50 Act – legislation that I am proudly co-sponsoring. All it takes is political will and courage to stand up to the fossil fuel industry.

“Energy efficiency, environmental protection and respect for frontline communities are not at odds with each other. Our movement for climate and economic justice will continue to mobilize and fight the Trump agenda every step of the way.”

Mike Johnson (R-LA, 4th)

“The Trump administration’s decision to allow enhanced exploration, leasing and development within the Outer Continental Shelf, previously closed to such activities, prioritizes home-grown energy production and puts the United States one step closer to achieving energy dominance. I look forward to the many benefits Louisiana and other coastal states will see from this all-of-the-above energy strategy.”

Senator Bill Nelson- (D - FL)

“This plan is an assault on Florida’s economy, our national security, the will of the public and the environment. This proposal defies all common sense and I will do everything I can to defeat it.”

Amy Bera (D-CA, 7th)

"As kid who grew up enjoying our beautiful California beaches, this decision is a travesty. Instead of embracing energy sources that keep our air and water clean, President Trump is doubling down on drilling California’s coastline.

I am seriously concerned about the potential environmental and public health risks that come with offshore drilling. We must defend our coastline and the environment from disaster, such as the BP oil spill that did such tremendous damage. Moving towards a clean energy future would ensure we create 21st century jobs and safeguard a clean environment to pass on to our children and grandchildren. This decision takes us backwards.”

Kathy Castor (D-FL, 14th)

“The only way to fully protect Florida’s economy and environment from the risk of oil drilling off of our beaches is to extend the moratorium permanently,” said U.S. Rep. Castor.  “The moratorium on drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico is scheduled to end in 2022 and Congress must enact a law to ban offshore drilling off of the Florida coast once and for all.  Without such protection, politicians like Gov. Rick Scott and Pres. Donald Trump, who previously supported drilling off the Florida coast, can change their minds again.”

Jeff Duncan (R-SC, 3rd)

"The announcement coming out of the Trump Administration today is tremendous news for American energy independence, economic development, and job creation. The Obama Administration’s shortsighted offshore plan set the U.S. behind our competitors around the world and trampled efforts to move toward energy independence. It’s great to see President Trump correct this misguided policy and replace it with an aggressive, bold agenda to ensure the U.S. is the leading nation for energy security which is critical in our increasingly volatile world. Opening up U.S. waters for drilling, including off the coast of South Carolina, will expand access to critical resources which will greatly benefit South Carolinians and our nation as a whole. As a longtime advocate for offshore energy and a former member of the U.S. Department of Interior’s Outer Continental Shelf’s Five Year Planning Subcommittee, I know this decision will move the U.S. to the forefront of global energy security and closer to achieving the goal of energy independence.”

Louie Gohmert (R-TX, 1st)

“It is truly exciting and encouraging that we have a president that is doing all he can to make us completely energy independent. Being energy independent will ensure that we can never be blackmailed by totalitarian nations who provide us any energy. Under this current administration, we are headed on a road that will establish this country as one of the strongest energy superpowers.”

“This move is an important step forward to pursuing our nation’s energy potential. It is refreshing to know that we have a leader in the White House who values the assets this nation has to offer and is willing to take bold, yet common sense steps to both protect and benefit the American people.”

Jared Huffman (D-CA, 2nd)

“Secretary Zinke’s announcement today confirms that the Trump administration is hell-bent on trampling the public interest and further lining the pockets of Big Oil at the expense of clean air, clean water, and the health of the American people,” said Rep. Huffman.  “Californians will never let this happen.  Our state has shown that we can have a growing economy along with environmental protections, and we have made it very clear, again and again, that we do not want to put our fisheries, our beaches, or our coastal economies at risk just to enrich the fossil fuel industry.  The bottom line is that offshore drilling means oil spills, and the risk is even higher now that the Trump administration is weakening offshore safety rules. This reckless proposal for a new offshore drilling spree should face widespread, bipartisan opposition. We’ll fight them in Congress, on the beaches, in the courts, and at the ballot box.  I’m confident we’ll defeat this dangerous plan.”

More Reactions

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This page is updated as reactions come in...

HUDSON: GOV. COOPER IS WRONG ON OFFSHORE ENERGY

Washington, D.C. - July 20, 2017 (The Ponder News) --U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08), Co-Chairman of the Atlantic Offshore Energy Caucus, issued the following statement on Governor Roy Cooper’s announcement on offshore drilling:

“To put it simply, Governor Cooper is wrong. This is not an either-or situation. We can open North Carolina to energy exploration and development while protecting our beautiful coastal waters as well as our tourism and ocean industries.”

Rep. Hudson continued,“Norway is a prime example that offshore energy development can go hand in hand with a healthy environment. The fishing industry, the oil and gas industry, and the tourism industry have safely and successfully coexisted since 1971, with all industries being huge contributors to Norway’s economy. Despite Governor Cooper’s announcement, I will continue to work to get North Carolina into the energy business to unlock good-paying jobs and strengthen our energy security.”

On April 28, Rep. Hudson joined President Donald Trump at the signing of the America First Offshore Energy Executive Order. President Trump’s EO directs the Interior Department to review the current development plan on the Outer Continental Shelf for offshore oil and gas exploration with the goal to unleash American energy and thousands of jobs while maintaining strong environmental safeguards. This EO came shortly after Rep. Hudson sent a letter to President Trump on April 13 urging him to include all proposed Atlantic lease sales in future leasing plans by the Department of the Interior. To view the letter Rep. Hudson sent the administration, click here.

While there has been broad bipartisan support for oil and gas leasing off the southeastern Atlantic coast, the Obama Administration removed the Atlantic lease sale in March 2016. Rep. Hudson has continued to be on the front lines of advancing energy exploration and development in North Carolina. Last year, he introduced legislation to require the Obama Administration to make Atlantic lease sales off North Carolina’s coast available for offshore exploration and development.

In addition, he serves as Co-Chairman of the Atlantic Offshore Energy Caucus, a committee that works to advance policies that responsibly explore and expand energy production in the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf as part of an all-of-the-above national energy strategy.

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