The
U.S. Senate recently took a step backward on the road to our country's
energy security and protection of our marine resources and coastal
shores by passing a bill that would open up close to 8 million
additional acres of the outer continental shelf in the Gulf of Mexico
to oil and natural gas drilling.
Our
long-term energy solutions do not lie in expanding oil and gas drilling
off our coasts. Maine is particularly at risk; we have the most miles
of coastline in the lower 48 states and an economy and culture closely
linked to healthy marine resources.
Risks from oil and gas extraction include heavy-metal-laden drilling sludge, oil spills and accidents.
Congress
should be focusing on the development of clean, renewable energy
sources such as solar, wind and biofuels, as well as implementing
policies and technologies that ensure cleaner and more efficient cars
and power plants.
Sen.
Olympia Snowe - along with 24 of her colleagues - voted against the
bill; we applaud her forward thinking and leadership on this issue.
However, we are disappointed in Sen. Susan Collins' decision to vote
for the bill.
As
the House and Senate versions of the bill are reconciled, we urge both
senators to do all they can to stop further attempts to increase any
offshore oil and gas drilling and to ensure the strongest protections
for our coasts and marine resources.
The health of Maine's economy and environment depends on it.
Jennifer Andersen
Advocate
Environment Maine
Portland
