For Immediate Release
Contact: Molly Woon
press [at] dpo [dot] org
Oregon Democrats call on Knute Buehler to follow Governor Brown’s lead and defend Oregon coasts from offshore drilling
January 10, 2018
PORTLAND — Following stunning news from the Trump administration last week that the U.S. Department of Interior will seek to open America’s coastlines to oil and gas offshore drilling for the first time in decades, Oregon Democrats are calling on Republican gubernatorial hopeful Knute Buehler to take a position on defending Oregon’s coasts from environmental devastation.
“This recent decision to exploit our nation’s coastlines for unsustainable oil drilling gives Buehler a chance to stand up for Oregon’s environment instead of siding with oil companies,” said Jeanne Atkins, Chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon. “We remember the devastating impacts of offshore drilling in 2010 off the Louisiana coast. Now that we can’t count on our President to put our coasts and the safety of the American people first, we need state leaders to stand up for Oregon’s interests. Will Knute Buehler follow Governor Brown’s lead and put the interests of Oregonians before big oil, or will he side with his party’s leadership in Washington D.C.?”
The plan announced last week by the Trump administration is in direct opposition to the wishes of state and local communities, will endanger the environment, and puts jobs and local economies at risk. Yesterday, U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke agreed to modify the offshore lease plan to appease Republican Florida Gov. Rick Scott. Other coastal Governors, including Governor Kate Brown are asking for the same treatment. In a tweet yesterday evening, Governor Brown asked:
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