DelBene Helps Introduce Bill to Ban Offshore Drilling Along Washington Coast

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) helped introduce the West Coast Ocean Protection Act to prohibit offshore drilling along the West Coast.

“Our country should be transitioning to low-carbon energy sources, not taking on the risk of disastrous oil spills. It’s time to make smart investments that will foster a new economy based on clean and renewable energy,” DelBene said. “The beautiful environment that surrounds us is what makes living in the Pacific Northwest so special, and taking care of our natural resources and protecting our environment is critical to preserving the quality of life we cherish.”

Congressman Jared Huffman (CA-02) led members of the Washington, Oregon and California delegation in introducing the West Coast Ocean Protection Act, which amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to explicitly prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from issuing leases for the exploration, development or production of oil or natural gas on the outer continental shelf along the West Coast.

Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) have also cosponsored a Senate companion measure introduced last month.

The full text of the bill can be found HERE.

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