# Surfrider Foundation Drilling Threatens Coastal Safety

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/01/surfrider-foundation-drilling-threatens-coastal-safety/
- Published: 2015-01-30T02:10:36-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## 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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/02/surfrider-foundation-honors-2011-wavemakers/)
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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/oceana-reacting-to-offshore-drilling-legislation/)
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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/oceana-reacting-to-offshore-drilling-legislation/).
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.

![Pristine beach with a no drilling sign in the sand and an offshore oil rig visible
on the horizon under cloudy skies](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/
uploads/2015/01/98E163B5-47C9-4AE1-9AB8-A1DA449ED7CD.png?resize=780%2C1170&quality
=50&ssl=1 "98E163B5-47C9-4AE1-9AB8-A1DA449ED7CD - The Green Living Guy")

Surfrider Foundation opposes federal plans to expand offshore drilling in the Atlantic
and Arctic warning of risks to coastal communities and marine ecosystems

## Surfrider Foundation’s Opposition to Offshore Drilling

The Surfrider Foundation is strongly opposed to the expansion of offshore [drilling off the Atlantic and Arctic](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/02/wwf-agrees-shell-plan-to-drill-arctic-wrong/)
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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/11/surfrider-foundation-coalition-fights-seismic-testing/)
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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/arctic-ecosystem-understanding-its-vital-role/)
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](https://www.surfrider.org/)),

Details can be found at [www.boem.gov](https://www.boem.gov/)/

Source: [The Surfrider Foundation](https://www.surfrider.org/), SAN CLEMENTE, Calif.,
Jan. 27, 2014

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
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