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04.12.17

President Trump Preparing Order to Expand Offshore Oil Drilling

Here's a campaign promise we wish President Trump would not keep. According to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, the administration is preparing an executive order to expand offshore oil drilling in U.S. waters. This means that oil rigs could soon be coming to a coastline near you.

The executive order will reportedly direct the Interior Department to develop a new five-year oil and gas leasing program, putting the Atlantic, Pacific, Arctic, and Eastern Gulf of Mexico potentially at risk. The order will also seek to overturn permanent habitat protections in the Atlantic and Arctic Ocean established by President Obama late last year. 

In response to the news, the Surfrider Foundation released the following statement from CEO Dr. Chad Nelsen: 

The Surfrider Foundation is alarmed to see the Trump administration move to expand offshore drilling in U.S. waters. Offshore oil drilling is a dirty and dangerous practice that threatens the health of our ocean and coastal communities. New drilling off our coasts will damage marine ecosystems, as well as industries such as tourism, recreation, and fishing that generate billions of dollars for our nation’s economy. With this action, the Trump administration is putting the interests of the oil and gas lobby over the hundreds of communities, thousands of businesses, and millions of citizens who spoke out against new offshore drilling during the federal government’s 5 Year program planning process.

Fortunately, any attempt by the Trump Administration to revise the 2017-2022 Offshore Drilling Plan will require an extensive review process with multiple opportunities for public input. Surfrider’s grassroots network is both ready and motivated to stand up for the protection of our nation’s coastlines!

Last year, Surfrider chapters on the East Coast played an instrumental role in reversing the Obama administration’s plans to open the Atlantic to new oil drilling. Through raising awareness about the impacts of offshore drilling and building opposition from coastal businesses and communities, Surfrider and our partners prevailed in protecting the Atlantic. Now, we must rally once again to stop new oil rigs off our coasts!

Please join our campaign to stop new offshore drilling off U.S. coastlines. See below to learn how you can take action.

  • Send an email to your federal leaders by completing this action alert.
  • Call your representatives in congress to tell them to oppose new offshore drilling! Find your member's phone numbers here: Senate and House.
  • Come to the Blue Vision Summit on May 9-11 in Washington D.C. to meet with congressional offices click here.
  • Participate in Hands Across the Sand on May 20th to demonstrate grassroots opposition to new oil and gas development click here.
  • Visit Surfrider's Stop New Offshore Drilling campaign page click here.