At a time when we need to be moving away from fossil fuels, the Trump administration’s new offshore drilling plan would open up Maine’s coast to drilling by oil and gas companies.

From the fishing industry, with lobsters and other marine life, to recreational activities like sailing and whale-watching, our ocean supports some of the best parts of life in Maine.

Likewise, dirty and dangerous oil and gas drilling has always been a poor fit for Maine. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill devastated marine ecosystems and threatened coastal communities in the Gulf, and we cannot take the chance that that could happen here, along Maine’s 200 miles of coastline.

It makes no sense to be opening our coasts to drilling when we can meet our energy needs through greater efficiency and tapping into our renewable energy potential. I want to thank Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King for standing up in opposition to the president’s proposed drilling plan, and I invite Mainers to join me in opposing the Trump administration’s drilling plan Monday, Jan. 22, at the Augusta Civic Center from 3-7 pm.

Jacqueline Guyol
Environment Maine
Portland