1/12/11
Congressman Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, reintroduced legislation that would permanently prohibit oil and gas drilling off the coasts of Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte counties. According to a press release from Thompson's office, the congressman introduced the Northern California Ocean and Coastal Protection Act, which would protect the unique and dynamic marine environment along the Northern Coast of California's outer continental shelf (OCS) from offshore drilling. Thompson also introduced this legislation in the 111th Congress. ”It is critical that we permanently protect our coast and its vital marine life from the environmental hazards of offshore drilling,” Thompson said. “In past Congresses, this important issue has become a political dispute rather than a debate on legitimate policy. This legislation will steer the debate back to sensible, science based policy, and ensure the well-being of our oceans for future generations.” During the 110th Congress, the ban on OCS drilling expired, which leaves the North Coast susceptible to drilling. The moratorium on OCS drilling had been a bipartisan agreement in Congress since 1982, but came under regular attack, and was not renewed in 2008.
