Hucker Introduces Resolution to Oppose Oil and Gas Development in the Atlantic Ocean

Montgomery County Councilmember Tom Hucker today introduced a resolution that would have the Council formally opposed to offshore drilling and/or seismic airgun blasting off the east coast of the United States.

“I have introduced a resolution to oppose the Obama administration’s unwise offshore drilling proposal,” said Hucker. “Opening up our Atlantic shores to drilling would endanger Maryland’s coastal wetlands, exacerbate climate change and pose a serious threat to marine wildlife. We need to get serious about protecting our nation’s long-term energy needs by expanding investments in renewable energy, while continuing to protect our state’s coastal environment.”

Councilmember Hucker’s resolution to oppose oil and gas development in the Atlantic Ocean is being co-sponsored by Councilmembers Roger Berliner, Marc Elrich, George Leventhal, Craig Rice and Hans Reimer.

“As some of the strongest advocates of supporting the Chesapeake Bay, the residents and elected officials in Montgomery County know the value in protecting the largest estuary in the world from the dangers of offshore drilling and exploration,” said Claire Douglass, campaign director at Oceana. “Governor Hogan needs to stand with the Montgomery County, the Eastern Shore and all Marylanders who are fighting to protect their coastal economies, communities and marine life from spills like we saw in BP Deepwater Horizon.”

According to a county news release, more than 600 federal, state and local elected officials and more than 750 business interests have publicly opposed offshore drilling, citing threats to aquatic life, coastal environments and local economies. Nearly 1.4 million jobs and more than $95 billion in gross domestic product rely on a healthy Atlantic Ocean ecosystem. If it resolution is adopted by the County Council, Montgomery will become the largest of more than 100 local governments in opposition to the drilling.

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