Schrader Cosponsors Bill To Protect Oregon's Scenic Coastline

Press Release

Congressman Kurt Schrader announced today that he is cosponsoring H.R. 5213 introduced by Representative John Garamendi (D-CA). The legislation would impose a moratorium on offshore oil drilling along the West Coast.

"As a representative of one of the West Coast's most scenic coastlines it is essential that I fight to protect it," said Schrader. "Oregon has more than 363 miles of scenic coastline, countless marine wildlife, and an economy which relies heavily on our fisheries and coastal tourism. We cannot afford an incident like the one that occurred in the Gulf coast."

Over two decades ago, Congress passed the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, providing for a system of offshore oil leasing, regulation, and development in federal waters. The act also placed a moratorium on oil leasing and other related activities in areas off of the West Coast including Oregon, Washington, and California. The act was rescinded in 2008.

H.R. 5213, the West Coast Ocean Protection Act of 2010 would reinstate the 1981 moratorium, prohibiting oil leasing and other related activities along the West Coast.

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