Pallone Leads NJ Congressional Delegation in Asking Trump Administration to Reopen Comment Period on Drilling
Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) led members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation in calling on Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to reopen the public comment period for its sweeping offshore drilling plan. The lawmakers asked that New Jersey residents have the opportunity to express their concerns with drilling and the threat it poses to the New Jersey economy.
Earlier this year the Trump Administration announced the largest planned expansion of offshore drilling in decades in the Atlantic, Arctic and Pacific Oceans and the Gulf of Mexico, including in areas previously blocked off the Jersey Shore and throughout the Atlantic from Florida to Maine. Pallone and members on both sides of the aisle have consistently stood against drilling off New Jersey and opposed President Trump's reckless plan.
Signers of the letter include: Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, Congressman Josh Gottheimer, Congressman Frank LoBiondo, Congressman Donald Norcross, Congressman Bill Pascrell, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr., and Congressman Albio Sires.
The text of the letter can be found below and the letter is also attached.
April 04, 2018
The Honorable Ryan Zinke
Secretary
United States Department of the Interior
Dear Secretary Zinke,
We are writing in to reiterate our opposition to the Administration's Draft Proposed Program for the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2019-2024, and to request that the Administration reopen the public comment period to give our constituents an adequate opportunity to weigh in. This proposal to open the Atlantic Ocean to offshore oil and gas drilling shows a complete disregard for New Jersey's economy, environment, and quality of life, and a thorough consideration of the robust public opposition to the proposal will demonstrate that completely.
The vitality of our coastal economies is tied to healthy ocean ecosystems. In New Jersey, the tourism industry generates $44 billion a year and supports over half a million direct and indirect jobs. Additionally, New Jersey's commercial fishing industry generates over $7.9 billion annually and supports over 50,000 jobs, and the state has one of the largest saltwater recreational fishing industries in the nation. Implementing the Administration's proposal would threaten the economies of the communities that rely on a thriving coastline.
Given the large scope of the Draft Proposed Program and the tremendous local risks associated with the plan, we request that the Interior Department reopen the public comment period for an additional 60 days and hold a public hearing to enable citizens to provide formal testimony. Reopening the comment period and holding a public hearing is absolutely necessary to allow sufficient time for business owners and residents to learn more about the Draft Proposed Program, and to submit comments on the largest proposed offshore lease sale in history.
As you know, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) held a public meeting in New Jersey on February 14, 2018. While constituents from across the state came to voice their opposition on the National OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2019-2024, there was no opportunity to submit formal testimony. It is imperative to give the communities that would be impacted the proper chance to let their voices be heard.
The potential for significant harm, along with the unique biology and environment of the Jersey shore, demands careful consideration. Therefore, we request that the Interior Department reopen the
public comment period and hold a public hearing in regards to the Draft Proposed Program for the OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2019-2024.
Thank you for your consideration of this request.
Sincerely,