Bill to halt off-shore drilling, seismic testing clears Congress, heads to Senate

BERLIN, Md. – A piece of legislation in Congress that if passed, would block offshore drilling along our coastal waters for a year, has made it through one hurdle, but still has a ways to go. Recently Congressmen, including eastern shore Representative Andy Harris,  approved the amendment with bipartisan support to halt off-shore drilling and seismic testing for a year in the Atlantic. Environmentalists say this piece of legislation would ensure the coastal economy here on the shore would be protected. But they’re not celebrating just yet. In order for this bill to move forward, it has to be approved by the Senate.

“It’s very important that we continue to keep the pressure on. That there continues to be loud voices not just from environmentalists but from everyone who enjoys coming to the coast and especially from our municipalities all up and down the coast,” said Assateague Coastal Trust Executive Director, Kathy Phillips.

To view the bill in it’s entirety, click here.