With the backdrop of enthusiastic beachgoers, House Energy and Commerce Chairman Pallone was joined by COA’s Executive Director, Cindy Zipf, staff and other environmental organizations on the boardwalk of Pier Village to celebrate the passage of an amendment that makes progress on the fight to stop offshore oil and gas drilling. Chairman Pallone introduced the amendment to prohibit the Department of the Interior from using taxpayer money to conduct oil and gas leasing and related activities, such as seismic testing, in the Atlantic Ocean.
Cindy Zipf applauded the work of Chairman Pallone and called for further action to be taken by environmentalists to protect the ocean. Zipf emphasized the need to protect marine life from the threats that offshore oil and gas exploration pose, especially off the beaches of New Jersey and New York where many endangered species migrate through and live. Zipf also debunked the myth that the United States needs more oil and gas, stating that the country is more energy independent than ever before and most of the oil and gas extracted in the U.S. is exported. Lastly, Zipf connected plastic production with oil consumption, given that 20% of the world’s oil consumption will be for plastic in 2050. The amendment passed the House in June and awaits a vote from the Senate.
Chairman Pallone and NJ Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner McCabe ban together to oppose offshore drilling.
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