The call for action to permanently restrict drilling off U.S. coastal waters has been made by the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.). In a letter addressed to President Biden on Friday, Grijalva, along with Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), urged the President to take immediate action before leaving office in January.
This move comes as a response to the recent decision by the Trump administration to open up vast areas of the U.S. coastline to offshore drilling, a move that has been met with strong opposition from environmentalists and coastal communities. With the clock ticking, Grijalva and Pallone are calling on President Biden to invoke a permanent ban on drilling in these areas, a move that would protect our oceans and coastal communities for generations to come.
In their letter, the two Ranking Members highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that “the threat of offshore drilling is real and immediate.” They emphasized the devastating impact that drilling can have on marine life, coastal economies, and the environment as a whole. The recent oil spill in Mauritius, caused by a grounded Japanese ship, serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of offshore drilling.
Grijalva and Pallone also pointed out the fact that the majority of Americans are against offshore drilling. A recent poll conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 60% of Americans oppose offshore drilling, with only 31% in support. This sentiment is also reflected in the coastal communities that would be directly affected by drilling activities. These communities rely on healthy oceans for their livelihoods, and the potential risks of offshore drilling pose a significant threat to their way of life.
The call for action from Grijalva and Pallone is not without precedent. In 2016, President Obama used his executive authority to permanently protect 125 million acres of the Arctic and Atlantic oceans from offshore drilling. This move was widely praised by environmental groups and coastal communities, and it is now up to President Biden to build on this legacy and take further action to protect our oceans.
In their letter, Grijalva and Pallone also highlighted the economic benefits of permanently restricting offshore drilling. They pointed out that the renewable energy sector has the potential to create millions of jobs and drive economic growth, all while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. By investing in renewable energy, we can create a more sustainable and resilient future for our country.
The call for action from the Ranking Members has been met with support from environmental groups and coastal communities. The Sierra Club, one of the largest and most influential environmental organizations in the country, released a statement applauding the letter and urging President Biden to take swift action. They also emphasized the importance of protecting our oceans and coastal communities from the dangers of offshore drilling.
The letter from Grijalva and Pallone is a reminder of the power of executive action in protecting our environment. As we face the urgent threat of climate change, it is crucial that we take bold and decisive steps to protect our planet. With President Biden’s commitment to addressing the climate crisis, there is no better time to permanently restrict offshore drilling and pave the way for a cleaner, greener future.
In conclusion, the call for action from Ranking Members Grijalva and Pallone is a crucial step in protecting our oceans and coastal communities. By permanently restricting offshore drilling, we can ensure a sustainable future for our planet and future generations. It is now up to President Biden to heed this call and take decisive action to protect our oceans before it’s too late. Let’s make sure that our oceans remain clean and healthy for all to enjoy.
