A new digital tool launched by the National Resources Defense Council allows users to track public officials nationwide on where they stand on offshore drilling for oil and gas, including Alaska’s governor and congressional delegation, who are solidly behind it.
The environmental nonprofit created the link, accessed via https://www.nrdc.org/stop-trumps-offshore-drilling-assault, to help the American people track where their governors and members of Congress stand on the Trump administration’s plan to expose nearly all of the nation’s coasts to offshore oil and gas drilling.
“It’s not enough to oppose oil and gas drilling off of your own state,” said Franz Matzner, director of federal affairs for NRDC. “Oil spills cross state lines. Opposition must too.”
NRDC is urging people to access the website to see where their state leaders stand and to contact them at the phone number provided regarding this issue, in support or opposition to their stance.
The Alaska section notes support of new drilling offshore in Alaska by Gov. Bill Walker, and the entire Alaska Republican congressional delegation, including Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and Rep. Don Young.
Hawaii’s all Democratic congressional delegation, by contrast, is solidly opposed to Trump’s offshore drilling plan. Still Hawaii’s Gov. David Ige has not yet signed any letter or bill indicating his stance on the issue, nor have some other governors or members of Congress, of both major political parties, according to the website.
