Elected officials in Washington state say they’ll fight the Trump administration’s proposal to expand offshore oil and gas drilling.
The plan could open up waters off the coasts of Washington and Oregon.
At a rally in Olympia Monday, Attorney General Bob Ferguson called the plan “BS” and warned the state would sue if it moves forward.
Commissioner of Public Lands Hillary Franz said the plan would put the state’s shoreline at risk for oil spills.
“We have collectively, all of us, worked far too long to protect those shorelines, not only for the natural resources and the environment but also for the local economies that depend on it,” Franz said. “And that’s why I am proud to join with you, raise our voices and declare absolutely not.”
Franz vowed the state would deny permits for any drilling operations that cross into state waters, which run three miles out from shore.
The Trump administration announced the proposal in January. It would open up almost the entire outer continental shelf of the United States to new oil and gas leases.
Federal officials were in Olympia Monday to answer questions but did not hold a public hearing.
Opponents held what they called a “people’s hearing” nearby, featuring testimony from officials, residents, environmentalists, coastal businesses, and others.
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