Moran Rejects Bush Administration’s Plan for Offshore Drilling

~ Joins Governor Kaine’s call to freeze the process~

ALEXANDRIA – At today’s conclusion of the U.S. Minerals Management Service (MMS) public comment period on a proposed lease sale off the Virginia coast, Brian Moran released the following statement opposing the Bush administration’s efforts to move forward with offshore drilling. According to a recent CNN report, the Bush administration is targeting Virginia as “ground zero” on the eastern seaboard to advance offshore drilling in its final week in office.

“We cannot solve 21st century energy challenges with 19th century fossil fuel. We need new leadership that invests in energy efficiency and alternative and renewable energy to protect our environment and jumpstart our economy by creating thousands of new, green jobs.

It’s unfortunate that the Bush administration is trying to push through an agenda that’s harmful to our environment, damages our tourism economy, and limits the Navy’s ability to protect America. I urge the Bush administration to respect the results of the 2008 election and put an immediate halt to this reckless last-minute attempt at offshore drilling. George Bush must not use his waning weeks in office to undermine Virginia’s economy, damage our environment, or overrule the express wishes of the U.S. Navy.

Drilling offshore will not produce significant fuel for another two decades and would provide an insignificant portion of our domestic need. This is a distraction that takes us away from the nationwide commitment we need to renewable energy sources and the creation of 21st century green jobs.”

Moran echoes Governor Kaine’s December 12th letter, in which he requested that MMS delay further public comment and preparation for lease sales until the Obama administration takes office. A copy of Moran’s statement was sent to MMS.

Moran’s Record

Brian Moran has a proven record of fighting against offshore drilling. He favors a major investment in alternative and renewable energy sources. In 2006 he opposed including offshore drilling in Virginia’s energy plan. He and the mayor of Virginia Beach held an ocean-side press conference in opposition to drilling on May 25, 2007 (see this PDF).

In a September 2008 policy speech outlining his approach to environmental issues, Moran said “Let’s be clear about this: we cannot drill our way out of the energy crisis. We can’t cure our addiction to oil by drilling for more.”

Link to full speech text: http://www.brianmoran.com/2008/9/14/virginia-sierra-club-fall-jamboree-speech