Offshore Drilling Proposal Threatens America's Coasts and Marine Wildlife

Bidding for offshore oil and gas leases could begin as early as 2019 in almost all federal waters under a new Trump administration proposal. Environment America denounced the plan, which would open vast new areas of the Atlantic, Arctic and Pacific Oceans and the Gulf of Mexico to drilling.

"Oil and gas drilling is an inherently dirty and dangerous business. There is simply no safe way to drill," said Kelsey Lamp, Oceans Associate with Environment America. "By allowing offshore drilling in more of our coastal waters, the Trump administration increases the chances of a dangerous oil spill. Opening these areas to drilling endangers sea life including whales, dolphins and sea turtles, as well as the life and livelihoods of Americans in coastal communities."

Public opposition to the proposed plan could still make a difference. It did during the Obama administration.

During President Barack Obama's second term, his administration, under pressure from coastal communities and environmentalists, created a five-year offshore drilling plan that protected the Atlantic and Arctic from drilling. Then, just before leaving office, President Obama announced additional protections for parts of the Arctic and Atlantic. But after President Obama left office, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order vacating these protections. The matter is currently being litigated.

Today's proposed plan is only the second stage in the approval process -- and it is open to public comment. Once the Trump administration formally releases the plan, the public will have an opportunity to comment.

"Everyone who cares about clean and healthy oceans should make his or her voice heard by commenting against this proposal," said Lamp. "We will fight for our coasts by fighting this plan."

By opening these areas to drilling, the Trump administration will be acting counter to the best available science -- and the will of coastal residents. The past two years has seen an unprecedented outcry against drilling. Communities up and down the Atlantic coast have passed resolutions against drilling, and businesses have organized an anti-drilling alliance. Similar organizing has also taken place across the country in California.

"Instead of threatening our waterways and marine wildlife, President Trump should pay attention to the thousands of citizens, fishermen, and business owners along the Atlantic Coast and the millions of Americans from Alaska to Maine who have already said 'no' to offshore drilling," said Lamp. "Today's action is the wrong decision and we will do whatever it takes to block proposals to drill off our coasts."