The Trump administration has just announced plans to expand offshore drilling in the Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Arctic Ocean. This drastic proposal opens over 90% of the Outer Continental Shelf to new drilling and puts our nation’s coastal communities, beaches, surf breaks, and marine ecosystems at risk of a catastrophic oil spill.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is holding ONLY ONE meeting in Oregon, Tuesday, Feburary 6th from3-6pm, to discuss the Draft 2019-2024 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program. Let’s pack the room and make sure they know we do not want drilling off our coast!
Before the hearing, join us for a rally at the Oregon State Capital. Check the Facebook event for updates.
Schedule and locations:
- 2:30-4:00 pm | Capitol Building Stairs, Salem | Rally and Press Conference
- 3:00-7:00 pm | Red Lion Hotel, Salem | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Public Meeting attendance and sign holding on the sidewalk outside
What the BOEM meeting is and is NOT:
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) public meeting will have no opportunity for public testimony. The intent is for citizens to get information, not for BOEM to collect feedback.
BOEM’s open house style meeting will have “stations” about different topics related to offshore oil drilling. People who attend will be able to move around to the different stations at will and talk to the BOEM staff at the stations. There is no set agenda or opportunity for pubic testimony. There will be a station set up allowing attendees to submit written comment via computers or paper.
Transportation:
There is a carpool website so people can offer and sign up for rides.
How to prepare:
- Make signs!
- Tell your friends to come by sharing the eventbrite link
- Read this blog about submitting public comments
This rally and others across the Country are being planned by Surfrider. Read more about why Surfrider is concerned about this plan: http://www.surfrider.org/coastal-blog/entry/offshore-drilling-planned-off-your-coasts-time-to-speak-out
BOEM’s page for these meetings: https://www.boem.gov/National-Program-Participate/#meeting
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rally-against-offshore-oil-drilling-tickets-42370692883.