Congressman Harris discusses his stance on offshore drilling and wind

Maryland's Republican Congressman Andy Harris talked about his stance on the controversial topic of offshore drilling in a telephone town hall and explained how he will view any decisions related to not just drilling but offshore wind projects as well.

The Trump Administration recently announced it would allow new offshore oil and gas drilling in nearly all U.S. coastal waters. However, that leaves a lot of questions and concerns for those that live on the coast.

Earlier this month we spoke with Ocean City town officials who say they oppose the idea of offshore drilling because the town's biggest source of revenue is tourism and commercial fishing. 

Congressman Harris made firm his stance during the town hall stating, "If the people of Worcester County don't want any kind of drilling of oil and natural gas I would support no offshore drilling of oil and natural gas. If they say we'll consider it, it's far enough so we can't see it and we'll see how safe it can be I would support that as well."

Harris says that the decision should ultimately be left to local legislators, saying that they know what is best for their areas.

In regards to offshore wind,  Harris says that while he supports this concept, referencing many successful projects in Virginia and North Carolina, he agrees that wind turbines should be out of sight from tourism areas.