Congressman Van Drew continues protecting South Jersey's coastal economies from offshore drilling

Statement

Congressman Jeff Van Drew voted to pass H.R. 1941, the Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act, a bill that blocks new offshore drilling and seismic airgun blasting along the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines and protects communities from the negative impact of expanded drilling. Congressman Van Drew was an original co-sponsor of the bill, continuing his fight for the coastal and marine economies or South Jersey.

Tourism, outdoor recreation and fishing economies that are the lifeblood of South Jersey rely on healthy marine and coastal ecosystems and these job-creating industries are not compatible with offshore oil and gas development. In addition to offshore rigs and platforms, drilling requires extensive onshore infrastructure including pipelines, refineries, storage tanks and roads, all of which leave a major environmental footprint. Offshore oil and gas drilling in our region would also open up these communities -- their economies and environment -- to the risks and detrimental impacts of oil spills.

"Our local economy in South Jersey is dependent on fishing, tourism and wildlife watching -- the bottom line is offshore oil and gas drilling isn't worth the risk," said Van Drew. "Our waters are home to vulnerable wildlife populations, military operations, tourist destinations, fishing, and a vibrant maritime economy. I am proud to have voted to stop the hazard of offshore drilling and seismic airgun blasting in the waters of South Jersey, and the United States."

The Coastal Marine Economies Protection Act prohibits proposed new leasing of offshore drilling projects on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The bill has been endorsed by hundreds of local, state, and federal officials; fishing and tourism groups; and nearly 50,000 businesses dependent on safe and healthy shore communities.

Congressman Jeff Van Drew has a history of working to protect the coastal economy and environment. In 2018 during his time in the New Jersey state legislature, he introduced and passed Senate Bill No. 258 which prohibited offshore oil or natural gas exploration, development, and production in state waters.

Congressman Van Drew also voted to pass the Protecting and Securing Florida's Coastline Act, H.R. 205, which further protects coastal areas in the Gulf of Mexico.

Source