Congressman Carney discusses off-shore drilling impact

Delaware Congressman John Carney joined members of Southern Delaware Tourism and DNREC in Rehoboth Beach Wednesday to discuss the possible effects of off-shore drilling in the tourism industry.

According to Congressman Carney, off-shore drilling has been put back on the table for the Mid-Atlantic region by the Department of Interior. He says it’s something he strongly opposes.

Carney says our country saw the detrimental effects of off-shore drilling during the BP oil spill in the Gulf, and most recently in Santa Barbara.

Congressman Carney says he’s learning how residents feel about the idea of drilling so he can take back those thoughts to his constituents. We’re told the effect on tourism is a major concern.

Tourism is a $1.5 billion industry in Sussex County and off- shore drilling could run the risk or ruining the waters.  As a result, visitors may not come to the area.

Congressman Carney says, “That would have a really negative impact. We had tens of thousands of people here over the weekend for Memorial Day to kick off the summer here in Rehoboth. That’s the economy we’re talking about.”

The visit to Rehoboth is a part of Congressman Carney’s “Climate Change Week.” Moving forward in the week, Carney will be touring other parts of Delaware to discuss the consequences of rising sea levels and the effect of climate change on local wildlife.