Reversal on oil drilling decision receives praise from local leaders

In a major reversal, the Obama administration says it will not allow oil drilling in the Atlantic Ocean.

Officials announced a change in course for drilling Tuesday.

Last year, the administration floated a plant that would have opened up a broad area of the atlantic coast to drilling no earlier than year 2021.

The decision against drilling has come in response to strong local opposition, including the Accomack County Board of Supervisors. Chairman Ron Wolff says the board has very vocally against last year’s proposal citing the risks.

“The tourism on Chincoteague Island, Assateague Island plus all of the marshland along the entire coast of the eastern shore virginia…it would destroy that ecosystem.” Says Wolff.

The Obama Administration says the decision was also based on conflicts with competing commercial and military ocean uses.

In a statement, U.S. Senator Mark Warner says he takes concerns the Department of Defense and NASA have raised about the potential impacts of energy exploration and development seriously.

“I also believe we have to take into account the challenge of securing a fair revenue-sharing agreement for Virginia, and the changed economics surrounding oil and gas development. I look forward to getting a full briefing from the Navy and NASA Wallops about the nature of their concerns.” Says Senator Warner.