(TRENTON) – Assemblyman John F. McKeon (D-Essex/Morris) released the following statement on Monday regarding Gov. Murphy’s recent signing of bipartisan legislation that bans offshore oil and gas exploration and its production in New Jersey’s ocean waters.
“Governor Murphy’s ban on offshore drilling in state-controlled waters is another step forward in reversing the disastrous environmental policies under President Trump’s and Governor Christie’s leadership.
“This decision signals our state’s renewed commitment to protect our 130-mile shoreline, which supports a tourism industry worth $44 billion annually and attracts millions of visitors each year. The State of New Jersey and the waters off its shores are home to more than 300 species of fish, 350 different species of birds, 5 species of sea turtles and over 20 different species of whales and dolphins. Today, we begin the process of permanently shielding New Jersey’s beaches, fisheries, and marine life from the threat of crude oil explosions and spills.
“By joining with other states particularly off the East Coast and the West Coast we will be able to create a bulwark against the anti-environment and pro-fossil fuel agenda of President Trump. We will make sure offshore drilling has no role in our state’s energy future and instead use clean, modern and renewable energy sources that work in the 21st Century.”