Maryland Representative Andy Harris (R-MD) Opposes Trump Administration Drilling Plans for Atlantic
In a Town Hall event on Monday, February 5th, Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) expressed opposition to a recently released Trump Administration offshore drilling proposal that would open over 90% of the country’s offshore regions to oil and gas development, including areas of the Atlantic lying off the Congressmen’s coastal district.
Rep. Harris cited concerns from local citizens for his stance, stating so long as his coastal constituents oppose offshore drilling, he would oppose any plans for drilling off Maryland’s coast.
Maryland’s coastal community has been vocal in its opposition to offshore drilling with formal resolutions and letters coming from coastal towns like Ocean City and Berlin as well as area business, fishing, and environmental groups.
Representative Harris went on to state that he does not oppose drilling in all regions of the country, but only in areas of the country where local jurisdictions have expressed serious concerns.
In a Town Hall event on Monday, February 5th, Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) expressed opposition to a recently released Trump Administration offshore drilling proposal that would open over 90% of the country’s offshore regions to oil and gas development, including areas of the Atlantic lying off the Congressmen’s coastal district.
Rep. Harris cited concerns from local citizens for his stance, stating so long as his coastal constituents oppose offshore drilling, he would oppose any plans for drilling off Maryland’s coast.
Maryland’s coastal community has been vocal in its opposition to offshore drilling with formal resolutions and letters coming from coastal towns like Ocean City and Berlin as well as area business, fishing, and environmental groups.
Representative Harris went on to state that he does not oppose drilling in all regions of the country, but only in areas of the country where local jurisdictions have expressed serious concerns.
Audio From Rep. Harris' Town Hall |
Rep. Harris joins a growing number of Republicans at odds with the Trump Administration’s offshore drilling plans.
In Maryland, Republican Gov. Larry Hogan released a statement stating, “Such drilling would create too great a risk to the health, safety, and welfare of Maryland citizens, communities and business,” and has directed Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh to express the State of Maryland’s opposition, “to the fullest extent that is legally possible.”
Hogan and Harris are joined by other Republicans like Rep. Scott Taylor (R-VA), Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), Rep. Mark Sanford (R-SC), Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), Gov. Rick Scott (R-FL), Former Gov. Chris Christie (R-NJ), and Gov. Henry McMaster (R-SC).
The Trump Administration’s offshore drilling proposal is open for public comment through March 9th.
In Maryland, Republican Gov. Larry Hogan released a statement stating, “Such drilling would create too great a risk to the health, safety, and welfare of Maryland citizens, communities and business,” and has directed Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh to express the State of Maryland’s opposition, “to the fullest extent that is legally possible.”
Hogan and Harris are joined by other Republicans like Rep. Scott Taylor (R-VA), Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), Rep. Mark Sanford (R-SC), Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), Gov. Rick Scott (R-FL), Former Gov. Chris Christie (R-NJ), and Gov. Henry McMaster (R-SC).
The Trump Administration’s offshore drilling proposal is open for public comment through March 9th.
