Letter to Dr. Walter Cruickshank, Acting Director of Bureau of Ocean Energy Management - Offshore Energy Meeting in Coastal Georgia

Letter

Dear Dr. Cruickshank,

As the Acting Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), you are tasked with leading a group dedicated not only to our offshore energy management, but also the environmental stewardship of our waters and coastlines. Representing the First District of Georgia, I have the honor and privilege of representing the entire coastline, from the Florida border to the South Carolina border. This responsibility includes advocating for issues impacting my constituents and our beautiful coastline. While I support the Administration's move towards energy independence, yesterday's announcement by Secretary Zinke of the 2019-2024 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Draft Proposed Program has left me with some questions.

In the proposal, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources submitted comments in which they supported environmentally sound efforts, but want to see a number of issues addressed before that happens. I have also heard from my constituents that they would like to hear more information from BOEM about the plan and the process and let their opinions be heard. As such, I would like to request that as part of the public comment period, BOEM schedule a public hearing in Coastal Georgia to answer questions and provide further detail of the plan's impact on the coast and my constituents.

While I support an expansive energy independence policy, Georgians should have the opportunity to know more about the new proposal and how it could possibly impact them and their surroundings. I would like to offer my assistance to facilitate this meeting because of its importance to my constituents and our district. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

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