Markey, Warren And Reed Support Banning Offshore Drilling

Massachusetts Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren are part of a bipartisan group of the region's senators who have introduced a bill to bar drilling off the New England coast. Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed is also speaking out.

“We must do everything in our power to protect New England’s coasts and waters from the dangers of offshore drilling,” said Markey. “As the Bay State, we will not allow Massachusetts coasts to be destroyed by Donald Trump’s reckless mission to ‘drill baby drill.’ We refuse to stand by as the President and his Big Oil buddies destroy our environment, disrupt our waters, and make consumers pay for their pollution. It’s time to say goodbye to the Oil-igarchy.”

“Offshore drilling in the Atlantic Ocean poses tremendous risks for the Ocean State’s environment and economy. This legislation is about protecting critical natural resources and the livelihoods of New Englanders in countless industries who rely on a clean, healthy Atlantic Ocean,” said Reed.

“New Hampshire’s eighteen miles of coastline are home to families, small businesses that power our economy and cherished wildlife – all of which would be severely threatened by harmful offshore drilling in the Atlantic Ocean,” said Shaheen. “As President Trump eyes opportunities to expand offshore drilling, which has led to disastrous oil spills that cause economic and environmental devastation, New England’s bipartisan delegation is introducing legislation to help safeguard of our communities, local economies and way of life.”

“Rhode Islanders take pride in being the Ocean State, and in our clean waterways that support good jobs and quality of life,” said Magaziner. “The New England Coastal Protection Act will help safeguard our environment by preventing new offshore drilling that would threaten the coastline that is so essential to our state.”

Markey said everything must be done to protect the region's coast and waters from the dangers of offshore drilling.

Supporters said the bill would protect ocean and coastal resources responsible for over 17-billion-dollars in New England annually.

ate.”