May 19, 2016
Moulton Urges Secretary Kerry to Take Action on Canadian Offshore Oil and Gas Development
Canadian offshore drilling poses threat to New England’s coastal communities
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA) led a letter to Secretary Kerry requesting he acquire proper environmental and disaster response plans from the Canadian government for offshore oil and gas leases tangential to George’s Bank. Twenty-eight other members of Congress signed Moulton’s letter to express concern over Canada’s decision to allow offshore drilling so close to Georges Bank, a highly productive area that straddles the maritime boundary between Canada and the United States.
“There is an abundance of science showing the environmental and economic damage caused by offshore seismic testing and oil and gas development,” said Moulton. “New England’s coastal communities, fishermen, and critically endangered species are under threat from this development off the coast of Nova Scotia. I urge Secretary Kerry to engage our Canadian partners to suspend this risky and unnecessary action.”
Recently, President Obama and Prime Minister Trudeau announced the U.S.-Canadian resolve to play international leadership roles in transitioning to the low carbon global economy, through science-based steps. Just days after the U.S.-Canada joint statement, President Obama removed the Atlantic Ocean from offshore oil and gas drilling for the foreseeable future. However, Moulton’s letter highlights that these protections will be insufficient should drilling proceed in this region.
“Offshore drilling is a dirty and dangerous business that threatens the health of our oceans, marine wildlife, our coastal communities, and our climate,” said Athan Manuel, Director of the Lands Protection Program. “Rather than doubling and tripling down on outdated and dangerous fossil fuel extraction, we should invest in and develop offshore wind. It's time we protect our climate, our shores, and our coastal communities rather than selling them out.”
To learn more about Congressman Seth Moulton visit https://moulton.house.gov or find the Congressman on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
###