(RICHMOND, VA)—A proposed ban on offshore drilling in Virginia’s waters is scheduled to be considered this Thursday by the Virginia Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources. SB 1573, sponsored by Senator Bill DeSteph, would prohibit drilling and related activities in Virginia territorial waters within 3 miles of the Atlantic Coast. It would also repeal Virginia Code that supports gas exploration more than 50 miles offshore. Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) Virginia Executive Director Rebecca Tomazin issued the following statement concerning the legislation.
“Offshore drilling is far too risky for Virginia, threatening clean water and our coastal economy. Senator DeSteph’s legislation offers an important defense for the Commonwealth. Banning drilling in state waters would send a clear message from Virginia legislators against the potentially dire consequences of offshore oil and gas production.”
