WASHINGTON – A bipartisan group of New Jersey lawmakers today said Garden State residents should be afforded the same rights as other states in voicing their opposition to drilling off the Atlantic coast. In a letter to the Minerals Management Service, U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Frank R. Lautenberg, as well as, U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone Jr., Frank A. LoBiondo, James Saxton and Chris Smith, 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 Minerals Management Service recently 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. There are currently public hearings scheduled for several states including Virginia and Florida, but not New Jersey.
“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 lawmakers wrote. “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.”
“Drilling off of the Atlantic Coast is a bad idea, regardless of where you do it,” Menendez said. “New Jerseyans would bear much of the risk of off-shore drilling, so they deserve the opportunity to speak out about it.”
“New Jerseyans must have a chance to voice their concerns about the plan to drill for oil just 75 miles off our Shore. An oil spill doesn’t stop at state lines, and this plan could be a disaster for our economy and environment,” said Lautenberg.
"The New Jersey shore and our beaches generate billions of dollars for the state economy and tourism is responsible for 34% 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."
"The concerns of South Jersey residents should be heard when proposals for expanded off-shore drilling are being examined. Our oceans know no boundaries, thus any potential oil or gas spill would equally threaten the environment and economy of Southern New Jersey as it would Virginia or Delaware. I strongly oppose off-shore drilling and will continue to fight to ensure it is not expanded," said LoBiondo, a member of the Congressional Coastal Caucus.
"It is absurd that a decision would be made on this dangerous drilling proposal without input from all the communities that could possibly be impacted," Pallone said. "The opinions of New Jerseyans should not be ignored while the voices of the oil and gas executives are heard."
"I represent the Jersey Shore from Seaside Heights to Long Beach Island and Tuckerton," said Jim Saxton, vice chairman of the House Fisheries and Oceans Subcommittee. "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."
“We expect MMS to give full weight to all comments received from the State of New Jersey, its citizens, and its Congressional delegation,” the lawmakers said.
