In May 2010, President Obama canceled the pending lease sale off Virginia's coast that would have opened our coastline to the dangers of offshore drilling. While we were encouraged to see this happen, we would like them to go further and place a permanent ban on offshore drilling off Virginia's coast. While we cannot claim full credit for this maneuver, our prompt media and grassroots outreach campaign likely contributed to President Obama's decision to delay including the Atlantic states in the upcoming 5 year plan for offshore activities.
The Gulf Coast oil spill disaster provided a vivid reminder that the price of offshore oil is far too high. A similar spill off Virginia Beach could reach as far south as Cape May and reach into the Potomac and Chesapeake Bay. Instead of putting our coast, and the industries that rely on them, in danger for the small amount of oil experts say can be found off our coast, we need to push harder for offshore wind. The latest study from Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium shows that up to 10% of our energy needs could come from offshore wind. Offshore wind will not harm our coastline or endanger fishing or tourism. Virginians want windmills, not oil spills!
Take Action
- Write a letter: Write to the editor of your local paper telling them you support a full ban on offshore oil drilling off Virginia's coast.
- Email your Representative: Write an email to your Congressional representatives in support of a full ban on offshore oil drilling.
- Get Involved: To get involved with CCAN's campaign against offshore oil drilling, contact organizer Hannah Wiegard at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 804-536-5598.
Learn More
- Read CCAN's statement about the introduction of new federal drilling legislation in July 2011.
- Read the Washington Post article about the introduction of new offshore drilling legislation by Virginia Senators Webb and Warner.
