Oregon lawmakers are considering a bill right now to restore the moratorium on offshore oil and gas drilling within Oregon's Territorial Sea for the next 10 years. Representative Ben Cannon sponsored HB 3613, which originated as a permanent ban but has since been amended to sunset in 2020 as a compromise to garner wider support. The Surfrider Foundation believes that the strongest protection for the health of our ocean, coastlines, and communities should be the ultimate goal, and a permanent ban on offshore oil and gas drilling is the best way to achieve this. Oregon's Pacific Ocean, waves and beaches are vital recreational, economic, and ecological treasures that will be polluted by any offshore oil or gas drilling. Check out the recent editorial piece by the Eugene Register Guard which sums up the issue rather nicely. The Oregon Senate will be voting on the bill this week, please take 5 minutes and contact your Senator today to show your support for HB 3613 and a clean ocean and coastline!
