Yesterday oil and gas drilling companies stated in court that they would not move ahead with conducting seismic testing in the Atlantic for oil and gas reserves this year. The current seismic blasting authorizations for the companies expire on Nov. 30 and cannot be renewed unless they again go through environmental review and public comment. The companies made the statements during a status conference before the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina. President Trump recently announced prohibitions on offshore drilling in Atlantic states from Florida to Virginia.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Vice President for Environmental Protection and Restoration Alison Prost issued the following statement.
“We hope this is the last straw for the terrible plan to drill for oil and gas off the coast of Virginia and Maryland. The entire region is resoundingly opposed to offshore drilling, which would create unacceptable risks to coastal waters, the Chesapeake Bay, and local economies from seafood to tourism. With drilling off the table for now in Virginia, there is clearly no need for seismic blasting and the resulting harm to marine life.”
