Do you support offshore drilling for oil and gas along the New Hampshire coast?
The administration of President Donald Trump has announced plans to open nearly all U.S. offshore waters to oil and gas drilling.
The proposal would include previously off-limits acreage in the Arctic, Pacific and Atlantic oceans, including areas along the New Hampshire coast.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management plans to hold two auctions for offshore drilling rights to U.S. waters between New Jersey and Maine, in 2021 and 2023.
The move is aimed at boosting domestic energy production.
Opposition to drilling off NH shores
Gov. Christopher Sununu said in a statement, “Of course I oppose drilling off of New Hampshire’s coastline.”
The state’s all Democrat congressional delegation—U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan, U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, and U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster—also oppose the measure. They wrote a joint statement that says, “This reckless proposal poses a significant risk to Seacoast communities in New Hampshire and would negatively affect marine ecosystems and our environment.”
Support for more offshore drilling
Drilling proponents say it will help make the United States independent of foreign energy sources, a matter of national security.
Maine Gov. Paul LePage supports the drilling. A spokesman for his office said, “The governor believes in a balanced approach that places a priority on protecting our environment and traditional industries, but does not close the door on jobs and lower energy costs for Maine people.”
What do you think? Do you support or oppose offshore drilling in New Hampshire? Let us know why in the comments section below.
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