State legislators gather in united opposition to offshore drilling

In response to the Trump Administration’s announcement of increasing offshore oil and gas drilling, members of the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators came to Washington, DC to share their opposition of the plan. The members raised numerous issues that come from offshore drilling including the direct negative impacts that it could have on their states.

“This is the first of many coordinated actions you will see from state legislators across the country,” said Oregon State Senator Michael Dembrow. “By working together, we are sending a strong message to Washington that states do not want to risk the vitality of their coasts and economies.”

These legislators understand that an oil spill anywhere is an oil spill everywhere, impacting not just their constituents but everyone who comes to depend on their coasts for income and recreation. They are also aware that more offshore drilling means more greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating the effects of climate change on their communities.

“In Georgia, we understand that climate change is real and that we are elected at the state level to protect good jobs, clean water, and breathable air,” said Georgia State Representative Park Cannon. “Joining with NCEL members from coastal states to support state-based policy-making that propels us forward in renewable energy use has been a valuable effort. Together, we can increase public faith in the health of our environment by we working to decrease toxic pollutants in our communities.

New Jersey and Delaware are two states that have blocked new offshore drilling in their state waters, and more states are likely to take similar action to protect their coastal economies.

“These state legislators are committed to protecting the coastlines of the United States, and the safety and livelihood of their constituents,” said Jeff Mauk, Executive Director of the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators. “They understand the economic and environmental importance of our coasts and are standing together against this proposal.”

Created by and for state legislators, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that organizes over 1,200 environmentally committed state legislators from all 50 states and both parties. NCEL provides venues and opportunities for lawmakers to share ideas and collaborate on environmental issues.