Call for Fair Exemption Considerations for New Jersey

Senator Declan O’Scanlon and Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso (both R-Monmouth) issued the following statement today regarding proposed offshore oil drilling:

“We strongly oppose the efforts of U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke to expand drilling off the Jersey Shore. Five years after Superstorm Sandy our coastal communities have made strides towards recovery; we cannot put all of our efforts in jeopardy for a potentially very small amount of oil. New Jersey’s tourism industry supports 10% of our economy. Any oil spill in the Atlantic Ocean could cause devastation to our coastal communities.

“Tens of thousands of our residents have made themselves clear, they are extremely concerned about drilling off of our coastline. Not only do our oceans and beaches support tourism, but our State is home to a large population of fishing families.

“New Jersey deserves the same exemption considerations which Florida received. We stand with our Congressional delegation, Governor Christie, municipal officials, and most importantly, with the thousands of residents who would be impacted.”