NY/NJ Elected Officials Take Action Against Offshore Drilling

New Jersey and New York have ramped up opposition at the federal, state and local levels, and COA is tracking and compiling these outstanding actions.  Check out the list of federal, state and local actions on the OCS page of COA’s website. If you know of any actions missing or if there are new actions taken, please contact advocate@cleanoceanaction.org or 732-872-0111. Also, if your town or county is not listed, please urge them to do so; you can use COA’s sample resolution.

Here is some recent news:

•                    The Shore Tourism and Ocean Protection (STOP) from Offshore Oil and Gas Act (S-258) passed unanimously in the Senate on March 26, 2018! This bipartisan legislation will ban offshore drilling and infrastructure in New Jersey’s state waters. It awaits signature from Governor Murphy, who is expected to sign it soon.

•                    NJ Congressmen sent a bi-partisan letter led by Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr (NJ-6), including US Representatives Albio Sires, Bill Pascrell, Jr., Frank LoBiondo, Josh Gottheimer, Donald Norcross, Bonnie Watson Coleman and Donald M. Payne, Jr. on March 16, 2018, urging the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agency Co-Chairs not to fund the 2019-2024 OCS Leasing Program.  Congressman Christopher H. Smith (NJ-4) also sent a similar letter.  This effort could help to stop BOEM from continuing to process offshore development.

•                    BOEM rejected NJ Congressman LoBiondo’s request for a public hearing in Cape May.  This is an unfair government practice since BOEM granted a NY Congressman a hearing after making a similar request. 

            

•                    NY Governor Andrew Cuomo and Former US Vice President Al Gore coordinated a press conference on March 9, 2018, to denounce offshore drilling and promote offshore wind.  While offshore wind holds promise it must be sited appropriately to protect marine life and navigational needs, and implemented correctly.

•                    Over 35 towns in NJ and 3 in NY have passed resolutions opposing offshore drilling.

•                    Assemblyman Wirths switches vote in favor of the STOP (Shore Tourism Ocean Protection) Assembly Bill A839: 72 to 1 – almost unanimous!

•                    NJ Governor Phil Murphy letter on March 9, 2018 opposing offshore drilling off the Atlantic.

•                    US Representative Christopher H. Smith (NJ-4) Testimonial letter submitted on March 9, 2018 asking for public hearing on offshore drilling.

•                    US Senator’s Letter on March 5, 2018 requesting an extension to the comment period.

•                    New Jersey federal and state elected officials attending Ocean City Music Pier press event on February 26th.

•                   Atlantic Coast Republicans met with Zinke on Tuesday, February 27th. Although NJ Congressmen, LoBiondo, Lance, MacArthur and Smith left feeling optimistic, a final decision has not been reached. We need to keep the pressure on! Submit comments to BOEM.

•                    New Jersey federal and state elected officials attending COA’s February 14th press conference.

•                    US Representative Frank Pallone Jr. (NJ-6) letter from US Representatives on February 12, 2018 against plans for Seismic Testing off New Jersey’s coast.

•                    New York legislative letter on February 8, 2018 to exempt New York State from offshore drilling

•                    New York press conference at the Long Island Aquarium January 26, 2018.

  

•                    NY Governor Andrew Cuomo letter on January 15, 2018 opposing offshore drilling.

•                    US Representative Tom MacArthur (NJ-3) meeting with Ryan Zinke, Secretary of the Interior.

  

•                    NJ Legislative letter on January 9, 2018 against offshore drilling.

•                    NJ Letter on January 5, 2018 opposing offshore drilling.