WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives’ votes today resoundingly rebuked any forthcoming efforts to open the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts to unfettered oil and gas drilling. The National Wildlife Federation heralded the passage of the Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Protection Act and Protecting and Securing Florida's Coastline Act of 2019, which would ban oil and gas drilling off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and extend the current moratorium on drilling in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico.

The bills, which echo the bipartisan opposition among Atlantic and Pacific Coastal governors to expanded offshore drilling, would protect wildlife, Main Street businesses and the way of life for communities along the U.S. seaboards.

“Time and again, coastal communities have experienced firsthand how spills from offshore drilling can devastate wildlife and shorelines alike,” said Collin O'Mara, president and CEO of National Wildlife Federation. “Supporting our oceans and marine wildlife is critical for protecting billions of dollars of economic activity and sustaining tourism, outdoor recreation and fishing in our coastal states. The Senate should take up and pass this legislation expeditiously, and listen to the governors and residents of our coastal states.”

The National Wildlife Federation and its coastal affiliates have worked to highlight the risks of unfettered offshore oil and gas drilling along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.