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Do you support offshore drilling for oil and gas along the New Hampshire coast?

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The administration of President Donald Trump has announced plans to open nearly all U.S. offshore waters to oil and gas drilling.

The proposal would include previously off-limits acreage in the Arctic, Pacific and Atlantic oceans, including areas along the New Hampshire coast.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management plans to hold two auctions for offshore drilling rights to U.S. waters between New Jersey and Maine, in 2021 and 2023.

The move is aimed at boosting domestic energy production.

Opposition to drilling off NH shores

Gov. Christopher Sununu said in a statement, “Of course I oppose drilling off of New Hampshire’s coastline.”

The state’s all Democrat congressional delegation—U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan, U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, and U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster—also oppose the measure. They wrote a joint statement that says, “This reckless proposal poses a significant risk to Seacoast communities in New Hampshire and would negatively affect marine ecosystems and our environment.”

Support for more offshore drilling

Drilling proponents say it will help make the United States independent of foreign energy sources, a matter of national security.

Maine Gov. Paul LePage supports the drilling. A spokesman for his office said, “The governor believes in a balanced approach that places a priority on protecting our environment and traditional industries, but does not close the door on jobs and lower energy costs for Maine people.”

What do you think? Do you support or oppose offshore drilling in New Hampshire? Let us know why in the comments section below.

Comments

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Andrea

We should not be opening up our coastlines or Artic and Antartic zones to any kind of drilling. The damages to the eco systems and quality of life for all animals, fish and humans will be degraded and harmed irreparably. There have been significant damages done with oil spills (Valdez), the explosion and spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and the Keystone Pipeline. Time to stop exploiting and destroying the earth!!

Arthur

With only 17 miles of coastline offshore drilling would have a large impact on tourism. I would vote no.

Chuck

No. The US exported oil and gas at record levels last year. There's no need to expand off shore drilling.

Arthur

NH's key business is tourism. With only 17 miles of coastline, erecting oil drilling platforms would certainly destroy the views from our coastal roads, parks, and homes. Of course we also have the Isle of Shoals which is a wonderful destination for tourists. I would certainly vote NO on this issue.

James

Oil drilling can be stopped with the proper litigation. In 2008, oil and gas drilling was successfully stopped in Wyoming Wilderness areas. Those areas are now protected by the State government and will remain part of the nation’s wilderness system. Here is a link if anyone is interested in reading more about it.
https://www.bobschuster.com/news/all-news/schuster-phibbs-and-sheldon-s…

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