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Senator Hassan Helps Introduce the COAST Act to Ban Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling Along the East Coast

Senator Hassan Helps Introduce the COAST Act to Ban Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling Along the East Coast

WASHINGTON - Today, Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) helped introduce the Clean Ocean and Safe Tourism (COAST) Anti-Drilling Act to ban offshore oil and gas drilling in the Atlantic Ocean. The legislation was introduced in response to President Trump signing an executive order last week that takes the first steps toward allowing offshore oil and gas drilling in the Atlantic Ocean along the East Coast.

"We have seen the real danger that offshore drilling can have on our coastal regions and economy, and this common-sense legislation would stop President Trump from allowing offshore oil and gas drilling along the East Coast," said Senator Hassan. "Unfortunately, this administration is continuing to side with Big Oil at the expense of our beautiful natural resources and the many people whose livelihoods depend on them. In New Hampshire, we know that our natural resources are critical to our businesses, our economy, and our way of life. I will continue fighting to combat climate change and protect our environment while building a cleaner, more affordable energy future."

The COAST Act prohibits the U.S. Department of Interior from issuing leases for the exploration, development, or production of oil or gas in the North, Mid-, or South Atlantic Ocean or the Straits of Florida.This commonsense, anti-pollution legislation would prevent short- and long-term marine and coastal damages, and protect and preserve shore economies, including the Seacoast in New Hampshire.

Senator Hassan joined in introducing the COAST Act with Senators BobMenendez(D-NJ), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Edward Markey (D-MA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

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