Pew Calls on Senate to Pass Offshore Energy Reform During Lame Duck Session

Marilyn Heiman, director of the Pew Environment Group's offshore energy reform efforts, issued the following statement calling on the Senate to pass offshore energy legislation:

“Due to the fact that the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico was equivalent to that of nineteen Exxon Valdez oil spills, and Gulf Coast tourism is now facing $22 billion in projected revenue losses, the need for offshore energy reform has never been more urgent. For nearly six months, the Senate has debated how to respond to the worst environmental disaster in history. It has held more than 30 hearings and introduced dozens of bills, yet has failed to pass a single bill. It's time for the Senate to act.

“The Senate must pass legislation to fundamentally transform our nation's approach to oil and gas drilling off our coasts. It is essential that this bill ensures that future offshore development is science-based, uses the best available technology and protects workers and the environment. There is too much at stake to move forward without these protections in place."

The Pew Environment Group's offshore energy reform work is now a part of Pew's Arctic Ocean Program.