House Subcommittee Reviews Thompson's Bill to Protect North Coast from Drilling

Today, the House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources reviewed North Coast Congressman Mike Thompson's bill to permanently prohibit oil and gas drilling off the coasts of Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. The Northern California Ocean and Coastal Protection Act (H.R. 2758), which Thompson introduced last week, provides protection to the unique and productive marine environment along Northern California's outer continental shelf.

"Every year there are attacks against the congressional moratorium on domestic drilling, and I am concerned that one day it might be lifted," said Thompson during today's hearing. "There are some areas of our country's Outer Continental Shelf where permanent protection is sensible and absolutely necessary. My district, which comprises the longest coastline of any congressional district in the continental U.S. and one third of the California coast, is an area that deserves such protection."

The West Coast is one of only four major upwelling regions in the world, which are areas that support extremely abundant and productive marine life. These upwelling regions include many of the world's most important fisheries, such as the North Coast fisheries.

Drilling for gas and oil off the Northern Coast of California could cause serious harm to the rich marine life found off the coast, including the fish many local North Coast economies depend on. In addition, Northern California's thriving tourism industry could suffer from drilling.

"An oil spill along the North Coast would be disastrous to our unique marine life, pristine beaches and spectacular views," said Thompson. "In addition, given the rural and rugged nature of my district, there would be limited accessibility and resources available for clean up. My bill will ensure a spill never happens."

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CONTACT: Anne Warden at (202) 225-331, (703) 338-4480 and anne.warden@mail.house.gov.