With words like “disaster” and “offensive”, it’s not hard to see what Northwest environmental groups think about President Obama’s plan to expand offshore oil drilling.
Governor Kulongoski even had something to say, although it’s hard to tell from the press release if he thinks this is a good or bad idea.
Obama is calling for a major expansion of offshore energy exploration pretty much everywhere in the United States, except for the West Coast.
But while Oregon, California and Washington appear off limits for now, environmental groups are still concerned.
“If Virginia’s shores can be opened up today, Oregon’s coast can be opened up tomorrow,” writes Brock Howell of Environment Oregon. “To build a clean energy economy and ending our oil dependence, we cannot simply dance in place, taking one step forward and one step backward. Not only would we be investing in a dirty fuel when we need to shift to hybrids and plug-in cars fueled by wind and solar, we would damage our coastal fishing and tourism economies with the pollution of oil, chemicals, and heavy metals. We’re dancing ourselves right of the dance floor for comprehensive clean energy policy.”
During February’s special session, the Legislature approved a ten year ban on offshore drilling in Oregon’s territorial waters. But that only covers the first three miles of ocean off the coast. The next 147 miles is controlled by the federal government.
In his statement, Kulongoski says he was “pleased” to sign the Oregon offshore drilling ban. He also says he’s a strong advocate for protecting the state and federally controlled waters from energy exploration. Then he adds, ““I am encouraged that the President is committed to protecting our ocean’s health while also pursing strong energy conservation and clean energy options for America.”
Here’s another quote:
“Today’s announcement is unfortunately all too typical of what we have seen so far from President Obama – promises of change, a year of ‘deliberation,’ and ultimately, adoption of flawed and outdated Bush policies as his own. Rather than bring about the change we need, this plan will further our national addiction to oil and contribute to global warming, while at the same time directly despoiling the habitat of polar bears, endangered whales, and other imperiled wildlife.”
-Brendan Cummings, Center for Biological Diversity.
Related Stories:
Session Watch: Offshore Drilling Ban Passes Senate
New Report Documents The Threat Of Oil To Oregon’s Coast
