For Immediate Release:
November 9, 2006
CONTACT:  Jason Galanes
(202) 225-6572
 

NJ LAWMAKERS URGE PUBLIC TO BE HEARD AT OFF-SHORE DRILLING MEETING IN ATLANTIC CITY

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02), Jim Saxton (NJ-03) and Chris Smith (NJ-04) are urging the residents of New Jersey, in particular those living in communities along the coast, to voice their concerns at the informational meetings to be held on Monday, November 13th in Atlantic City regarding a current federal proposal to allow off-shore drilling in the Mid-Atlantic coastal region. The informational meetings, sponsored by the Minerals Management Service (MMS) under the Department of the Interior, are being convened at the strong urging of the New Jersey lawmakers.

"I am pleased that MMS has agreed to hear the real concerns of South Jersey residents regarding the proposal to expand drilling in the Mid-Atlantic region. Our oceans know no boundaries, thus any potential oil spill would equally threaten the environment and economy of Southern New Jersey as it would Virginia or Delaware. I strongly encourage our residents to be heard on this critical proposal, and I remain opposed to off-shore drilling and will continue to fight to ensure it is not expanded," said LoBiondo, a member of the Congressional Coastal Caucus.

"I represent the Jersey Shore from Seaside Heights to Long Beach Island and Tuckerton," said Jim Saxton. "I think off-shore drilling would threaten our coastal and ocean environment and the tourism-based economy it attracts, and probably the tourism in the entire Mid-Atlantic region as well. To put our beaches, our fishing, and our tourism economy at risk for a minimal amount of oil and gas is short-sighted and I strongly oppose the proposal to open the outer-continental shelf for oil and gas drilling."

"The New Jersey shore and our beaches generate billions of dollars for the state economy and tourism is responsible for one-third of Ocean County's employment," said Smith who for years has worked to protect the New Jersey coast. "An oil spill or other accident would potentially have a devastating affect upon our state, our economy and our citizens' lives. Therefore it is vitally important that the voices of New Jerseyans and residents of other coastal states be heard."

Earlier in 2006, MMS announced a five-year Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, which proposed drilling off the coast of Virginia. Such oil exploration – just 75 miles from the New Jersey shore – could have perilous effects on Garden State’s tourism, hospitality and gaming industries, in addition to the overall quality of life. Initially, there were public hearings scheduled for several states including Virginia and Florida, but not New Jersey.

Since March, a bipartisan group of New Jersey lawmakers has petitioned MMS and the Secretary of the Department of the Interior to urge that Garden State residents should be afforded the same rights as other states in voicing their opposition to drilling off the Atlantic coast. Joining LoBiondo, Saxton and Smith on the letters were U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Frank R. Lautenberg, as well as, U.S. Representative Frank Pallone Jr. The letters called on the federal agency to host hearings in New Jersey, thereby acknowledging the risk shared by Garden State residents should off-shore drilling begin off Virginia’s coast.

"The area proposed to be opened off the coast of Virginia is roughly 75 miles from the New Jersey shore, more than close enough to put our treasured beaches in danger from an oil spill. The people of New Jersey are extremely concerned about the oil and gas activities proposed off the coast of Virginia, and we believe that the Minerals Management Service should offer them the opportunity to express their concerns in a public hearing," the lawmakers wrote.

The informational meetings on the off-shore drilling proposal by MMS will occur Monday, November 13th at the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel (Two Miss America Way, Atlantic City). The meetings will run from 2pm to 5pm, and 6pm to 9pm.

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