Markey Criticizes DOI Decision to Open East Coast Waters to Oil and Gas Testing

WASHINGTON (July 18, 2014) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today criticized the decision by the Department of Interior to open up the East Coast to sonic and other geological and geophysical testing, the first step towards opening up the Atlantic coast to oil and gas development. 

Senator Markey, a member of the Foreign Relations and Environment and Public Works Committees, released the following statement:

“Two centuries ago, we nearly wiped out whales in pursuit of their oil. Today’s announcement to begin oil and natural gas discovery activities off the East Coast shows that we have learned little. Oil companies will stop at nothing to open up our coasts to oil drilling, even as they push to export our oil abroad. 

“At the same time the administration puts strict new rules on the books impacting Massachusetts lobstermen in order to protect whales, these new discovery activities will be incredibly harmful to whales and the marine habitats they inhabit. The administration should be working to protect whales and the bottom lines of our struggling fishing industry, not helping the highly profitable oil industry reap further profits to the detriment of our oceans, fishermen, and the coastal communities that depend on them.”