DelBene: We Must Not Risk Damaging Oil Spills Along West Coast

SEATTLE – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today called for a ban on offshore drilling along the West Coast while visiting the Seattle Aquarium, where animals affected by oil spills are rehabilitated.

“Our country should be transitioning to clean and carbon-free energy sources, not taking on the risk of environmentally and ecologically damaging oil spills in the Puget Sound,” 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, preserving our environment and protecting the animals that live here are all critical to maintaining the quality of life we cherish.”

DelBene helped introduce the West Coast Ocean Protection Act (H.R. 3927), which would amend 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.

The Seattle Aquarium uses water from the Puget Sound in its exhibits and rehabilitation of animals affected by oil spills, which is a threat to sea otter populations.

“We are happy to host Rep. DelBene today to highlight ocean health issues, vulnerable coastal waters and fragile marine life,” said Bob Davidson, Seattle Aquarium President & CEO. “The Seattle Aquarium’s mission is to ‘inspire conservation of our marine environment.’”

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