Governor Carney Requests Meeting With Secretary Zinke to Discuss Offshore Drilling Plan

WILMINGTON, Del.Governor John Carney has sent a letter to U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, requesting a meeting to discuss the Trump Administration’s offshore drilling plan. The plan would open up areas in the Atlantic, including areas off the coast of Delaware, to new oil and gas drilling. Governor Carney will urge Secretary Zinke to abandon the plan, which would pose serious risks for Delaware’s economy and natural resources.

The following are excerpts from Governor Carney’s letter:

“I am writing to express my strong concern and objection to your proposal to include areas in the Atlantic as part of a dramatic expansion of oil and natural gas drilling nationwide….Opening areas on the Outer Continental Shelf off the Atlantic coast threatens the economic and environmental well-being of Delaware and states throughout the entire region.”

“More than 7 million people visit Delaware’s coastal communities every year. They spend time on our world-class beaches, eat at restaurants, shop at local businesses, and help support thousands of families that work in our local economy. Delaware’s coastal economy generates almost $7 billion in economic production to the state, and supports over 60,000 jobs in the fishing, tourism, and recreation sectors.”

“The health of Delaware’s economy and environment are directly tied to the health of the state’s coastal areas. I cannot accept the tremendous risks associated with opening vast areas in the Atlantic to drilling. I request a meeting with you and your leadership team, as was granted to Florida, to discuss the proposal in more detail.”

Read Governor Carney’s full letter here.

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