Moratorium on Offshore Oil & Gas Exploration Extended

September’s announcement from the Trump Administration to extend a moratorium on offshore oil and gas exploration along the coasts of Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina is welcome news. Our offshore waters and expansive, productive salt marsh are far too precious to expose to the detrimental effects of offshore drilling.

There remain additional measures, however, that should be taken to ensure that Georgia’s coast remains permanently protected. 

Not included in this 10-year moratorium extension are the mid-Atlantic states of North Carolina and Virginia. Offshore leasing boundaries on government maps are just imaginary lines. Oil spills do not abide by them, nor does the wildlife that inhabit our oceans. To ensure that Georgia’s coastal ecosystems, which are home to a robust fishing and shrimping industry, remain healthy and functioning and safe from oil spills, our Federal government must look at including the entire Atlantic seaboard in this moratorium extension and begin the process of making these protections permanent.

Thank you to all our members who continue to express their concerns. Your voices are heard. Our Congressional delegation has expressed opposition to offshore oil and gas exploration along our coast, and our elected officials at the state level, especially our coastal leadership, have advocated for state resolutions in opposition. Vocal and bi-partisan support of our coastal communities and natural resources has proven crucial in the White House’s decision to include Georgia in this extended moratorium. Let’s remain vocal! 

Learn more about our stance against offshore oil and gas exploration at: www.georgiaaconservancy.org/offshore-drilling