Congressman Kim Votes to Protect New Jersey Coast
from Offshore Drilling Expansion

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) voted to pass the Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act, H.R. 1941, which blocks new offshore drilling along the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines and protects communities like those in Ocean County from the negative impact of expanded drilling.

“Our shore communities aren’t just famous for their beaches as a destination for tourists and their economic importance for Ocean County, they’re home to thousands of our neighbors and point of pride for everyone in New Jersey,” said Congressman Kim. “I’m proud to have been a vocal advocate in this effort to protect our communities from the dangers posed by expanding offshore drilling. I’ll always stand up for our communities and work to put them first.”

The Coastal Marine Economies Protection Act would prohibit proposed new leasing of offshore drilling projects on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The bill has been endorsed by hundreds of local, state, and federal officials; fishing and tourism groups; and nearly 50,000 businesses dependent on safe and healthy shore communities.

“Offshore drilling not only threatens wildlife, but also puts our coastal economy and climate at risk,” said Drew Tompkins, Policy Manager, New Jersey Audubon. “Today’s votes once again demonstrated the widespread, bipartisan opposition to dangerous offshore drilling off of our coasts. New Jersey Audubon thanks all the members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation, and especially HR1941 cosponsors Representatives Andy Kim, Frank Pallone, and Jeff Van Drew, for their commitment to protecting our environment from unnecessary, dirty drilling.”

In addition to passing The Coastal Marine Economies Protection Act, Congressman Kim also voted to pass the Protecting and Securing Florida’s Coastline Act, H.R. 205, which further protects coastal areas in the Gulf of Mexico.

###