David G Reichert : Reichert, Herrera Beutler Send Letter to Administration Opposing Offshore Drilling Efforts Off Washington's Coast

Washington, DC - Today, Representatives Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) took action in opposing the Administration's proposal for new offshore oil and gas drilling and exploration off Washington's coastline.

'I am deeply concerned about the Administration's continued push to allow new gas and oil drilling opportunities along our coasts,' said Rep. Reichert. 'This moves America in the wrong direction and could lead to policies that create long-lasting harm to the Pacific Ocean and Washington's shorelines. I am hopeful the Administration will hear this final plea to stop these efforts for new offshore drilling off the Pacific Coast of Washington.'

'I don't support offshore oil and gas exploration in states that don't want it, and Washington's citizens have never indicated any desire to have oil and gas activity off their coast,' Rep. Herrera Beutler said. 'Energy independence is a worthy goal, but the plan to get there should not include Washington's coast. Interior Secretary Zinke has said he will respond to individual states and communities in finalizing his plan, and I'm sending this letter with my colleague Rep. Reichert to let the secretary know that Washington should not be included in the final proposal to increase energy exploration.'

In a letter sent to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, Reps. Reichert and Herrera Beutler expressed their deep concern over the proposal and urged the Administration to remove the coast of Washington from its planning areas for expanded drilling and exploration.

Rep. Reichert has consistently spoken out against the Administration's offshore drilling efforts. Earlier this year, he led a bi-partisan letter, with 100 of his colleagues, to Secretary Zinke asking him to reject proposals to open the Atlantic and Pacific Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Regions to new offshore drilling and exploration.

The text of their letter can be found here.