Protecting the Oceans: Surfrider Foundation’s Fight Against Offshore Drilling
The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization that has been fighting to protect the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches for over 35 years. With over 250,000 members and supporters, including 25 local chapters from Maine to Florida, the Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the ocean and coastal communities. In this article, we will explore the Surfrider Foundation’s fight against offshore drilling, particularly in the Atlantic and Arctic oceans.
The Threat of Offshore Drilling
Offshore drilling is a dirty and dangerous practice that threatens the health of our oceans and coastal communities. The oil and gas development in the Atlantic and Arctic oceans would require seismic surveys and drilling operations. Additionally, oil transport by tankers and the installation of platforms, pipelines, and other infrastructure would take place. Collectively, these activities would significantly damage both the environment and related economies. Thus, exposing the East Coast to the risk of a catastrophic oil spill.
According to a report by the National Ocean Economics Program, the ocean economy of the US, which includes tourism, fishing, and recreation, contributes over $352 billion to the GDP and supports more than 3 million jobs. Offshore drilling would put these industries at risk, as well as the marine ecosystem, which is vital to the health of the planet.
Surfrider Foundation’s Opposition to Offshore Drilling
The Surfrider Foundation is strongly opposed to the expansion of offshore drilling off the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. In 2014, the Federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) released its Draft Five Year Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2017 through 2022. That which included plans for offshore drilling in the Mid- and South Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Arctic oceans. In addition, The Surfrider Foundation submitted comments to the BOEM in support of the protection of the Atlantic Coast, Pacific Coast, Eastern Gulf of Mexico, and Alaska from any oil and gas lease sales in the 2017-2022 OCS Oil and Gas Program.
Pete Stauffer, Senior Ocean Program Manager for the Surfrider Foundation, issued a statement in reaction to the decision by the BOEM:
As noted: “The Surfrider Foundation is strongly opposed to the expansion of offshore drilling off the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. It is a dirty and dangerous practice that threatens the health of our oceans and coastal communities. On behalf of more than 250,000 Surfrider Foundation members and supporters, including 25 local chapters from Maine to Florida who vigorously oppose offshore drilling in the Atlantic, we call upon the Obama Administration to cancel plans for offshore drilling in the Atlantic Ocean.”
The Fight Against Offshore Drilling in the Atlantic
Most importantly, The Surfrider Foundation’s fight against offshore drilling in the Atlantic began in 2009, when the Obama Administration proposed to open new areas of the Atlantic Ocean to oil and gas exploration and development. So the Surfrider Foundation, along with other environmental groups and coastal communities, came together. They protested against the proposal. Thereby citing the risks to the economy, environment, and marine life.
The Fight Against Offshore Drilling in the Arctic
Continuing on, the Surfrider Foundation’s fight against offshore drilling in the Arctic began in 2007. Especially when the Bush Administration proposed to open up the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas to oil and gas exploration and development. Moreover, The Surfrider Foundation, along with other environmental groups, protested against the proposal. Thereby citing the risks to the Arctic ecosystem and the global climate.
The Fight Continues
So the fight against offshore drilling is far from over. While the Surfrider Foundation and its allies have had some victories in the past, the threat of offshore drilling remains. Again, The Surfrider Foundation continues to fight against offshore drilling in the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. Especially as well as in other areas of the world.
Because, The Surfrider Foundation is not just fighting against offshore drilling, but is also working to promote clean energy solutions, such as wind and solar power. Furthermore, The Surfrider Foundation believes that we can protect our oceans and coastal communities. All the while also transitioning to a clean energy economy.
Conclusion
Finally, The Surfrider Foundation’s fight against offshore drilling is a fight for the health of our oceans and coastal communities. Offshore drilling is a dirty and dangerous practice that threatens the environment, the economy, and the wellbeing of people and animals alike. In addition, The Surfrider Foundation will continue to fight against offshore drilling in the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. That’s as well as in other areas of the world. In conclusion, The Surfrider Foundation believes that we can protect our oceans and coastal communities. All while also transitioning to a clean energy economy.
Sources: Surfrider Foundation (surfrider.org),
Details can be found at www.boem.gov/
Source: The Surfrider Foundation, SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., Jan. 27, 2014
