This archived post covers the Offshore Energy and Jobs Act 2013 and the Surfrider Foundation’s response to its passage in the U.S. House.
The House Passed H.R. 2231 in June 2013
The House passed H.R. 2231, the Offshore Energy and Jobs Act, by a 235–186 vote on June 28, 2013. Supporters argued that the bill would expand offshore energy production and economic activity, while opponents raised concerns about environmental risk and coastal impacts.
San Clemente, CA (June 28, 2013) – The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Offshore Energy and Jobs Act (HR 2231), which would dramatically expand offshore drilling in U.S. waters. The bill would require new drilling off Southern California, Virginia, South Carolina, and Alaska, and overall require a doubling of offshore domestic oil production. The Surfrider Foundation’s Ocean Program Manager, Pete Stauffer, issued the following statement in reaction to the decision.
“The Surfrider Foundation is deeply dismayed by the House’s decision to expand offshore oil drilling off the California coast, the Atlantic coast, and elsewhere. Offshore drilling is a dirty and dangerous practice that threatens the health of our oceans and the communities that depend on them. Instead of advocating for more offshore drilling, Congress should develop a comprehensive and sustainable energy plan that includes conservation.”
Source Surfrider Foundation
Surfrider Opposed Expanded Offshore Drilling
The statement above reflects the Surfrider Foundation’s position at the time. The organization argued that broader offshore drilling could put coastal ecosystems, recreation and local economies at risk.
For more Green Living Guy ocean coverage, see our marine conservation coverage.
Conclusion
The 2013 vote reflected a broader policy divide over how quickly the United States should expand offshore oil and gas development versus emphasizing conservation and cleaner energy sources.
Sources: U.S. House roll-call records and Surfrider Foundation statement.
