Golden Votes to Protect the Maine Coast from Offshore Drilling

WASHINGTON — Working to protect Maine's iconic coastline and fisheries, Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) voted to put a permanent moratorium on leasing for oil and gas production in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The legislation, the Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act, passed the House today with bipartisan support.

"Our beautiful coastline supports thousands of Maine jobs," said Golden. "The future of key Maine industries like fishing and tourism is tied to the health of our environment and our coast. Oil and gas development threatens the livelihoods of thousands of Mainers and the survival of dozens of coastal communities. As one of Maine's most valuable natural resources, it's crucial that we protect our oceans from the threat of offshore drilling."

Congressman Golden has been a strong advocate for the healthy oceans and coastal communities in Maine and across the country. In January, he cosponsored similar legislation, the New England Coastal Protection Act. Golden helped pass the Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act, legislation that would require federal officials to work with coastal communities to address the impacts of ocean acidification, through the House in June. In May, he co-sponsored the Arctic Cultural and Coastal Plain Protection Act, which would prohibit energy and other development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.