Civic Register
| 1.4.18

Trump Admin. to Reopen Vast Areas to Offshore Drilling

Join us and tell your reps how you feel!

What’s the story?

The Trump administration announced plans to allow offshore oil and gas drilling in nearly all U.S. waters.

“We’re embarking on a new path for energy dominance in America, particularly on offshore,” Ryan Zinke, the interior secretary, said as he unveiled the plan.

He continued:

“This is a clear difference between energy weakness and energy dominance. We are going to become the strongest energy superpower.”

Why does it matter?

In his final days in office, President Barack Obama imposed the drilling ban to protect more than 100 million offshore acres along the Eastern and Arctic Seaboard.

The proposal would reverse that ban. It would also increase drilling sites in the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska, and reinstate leasing sites in the Pacific Ocean.

Oil industry leaders applauded the move. Thomas J. Pyle, president of the American Energy Alliance, said:

“These are our lands. They’re taxpayer-owned and they should be made available.”

Environmentalists slammed the proposal. Alex Taurel, deputy legislative director at the League of Conservation Voters, said:

“Seaside communities, businesses, and elected officials from both parties have consistently opposed risky offshore drilling because of the grave threat it poses to their way of life, our climate, and local economies that rely on tourism and fishing.”

One of those elected officials, Florida GOP Governor Rick Scott, tweeted out his opposition:

What do you think?

Do you support the proposal? Does it help America embark on a “new path for energy dominance”? Or does it pose a “grave threat”? Hit Take Action and tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.

—Josh Herman

Related Reading

(Photo Credit: nielubieklonu / iStock)