Oregon Senate Votes to Protect State Ocean Waters from Oil Drilling
Bi-partisan Senate Bill 256 prohibits offshore drilling in Oregon marine waters (0-3 miles from shore), and any activities or new infrastructure that would support federal offshore drilling
Press Release Date: February 19, 2019
Location: Salem, OR
Contact:
Dustin Cranor, APR | email: dcranor@oceana.org | tel: 954.348.1314
Today the Oregon Senate voted to pass legislation to ban offshore oil and gas drilling in Oregon’s Pacific Ocean waters. Senate Bill 256 (SB 256) indefinitely extends Oregon’s existing offshore drilling moratorium and prohibits any activities or new infrastructure within state marine waters that would support potential oil drilling in federally managed waters off the Oregon coast (3 to 200 miles of shore).
Introduced by lead authors Senator Arnie Roblan (D- Coos Bay), Representative David Gomber (D-Central Coast) and Representative David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford), the bi-partisan legislation enjoys 19 additional co-sponsors and memorializes the new state policy opposing offshore drilling issued by Governor Kate Brown via Executive Order 18-28 last October.
“For generations, Oregonians have defended the environment,” said Sen. Arnie Roblan. “Any oil drilling off the Oregon Coast could destroy the things we love in the state of Oregon – our pristine public beaches, and the local industries like fishing and tourism that drive our coastal economy.”
“The message is loud and clear—Oregon won’t jeopardize our treasured coast, incredible ocean wildlife, or vibrant fisheries with the risk of an oil spill,” said Ben Enticknap, Pacific Campaign Manager & Senior Scientist with Oceana. “We applaud the Oregon Senate for voting today to protect the Oregon coast.”
The Trump Administration has proposed potential new offshore drilling leases in federal waters off the coasts of Oregon, Washington, and California. In response, state leaders, local municipalities, and businesses throughout the West Coast are taking action to safeguard their communities and coastal economies from the risks of offshore oil drilling.
SB 256 reflects the sentiments of a large number of Oregonians; five coastal cities and the City of Portland have already adopted local resolutions opposing offshore drilling, and more than 110 Oregon businesses have joined the Business Alliance to Protect the Pacific Coast.
California, Delaware, Florida, Maryland and New Jersey already have passed similar laws. Other states, including Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and South Carolina also have bills under consideration that would ban or restrict offshore drilling.
Senate Bill 256 now heads to the Oregon House of Representatives.
Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one third of the world’s wild fish catch. With over 200 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution and killing of threatened species like turtles and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that one billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal, every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit usa.oceana.org to learn more
