New York State Legislature Passes Offshore Drilling Ban

Albany, N.Y.  – The New York State Senate today passed legislation blocking any offshore drilling activity off the state’s coastline, including pipeline permits and state leases that could potentially support oil and gas development.

With the Assembly’s approval of the bill yesterday, the legislation now heads to Governor Cuomo’s desk for his signature. The legislation was sponsored by Assemblyman Steve Englebright and Senator Todd Kaminsky.

This comes as the Trump administration is poised to release its federal five-year offshore leasing program—and is expected to propose opening multiple coastlines nationwide, including the Atlantic, to offshore oil and gas drilling.

A statement follows from Rich Schrader, New York Political Director at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC):

“New York is saying ‘NO’ to the Trump administration’s reckless plan to expand oil drilling off our shores. From day one, Governor Cuomo vowed the state would do everything in its power to protect our coastal communities and marine life from this thoughtless gamble. Our leaders in Albany are keeping that promise. This sends a clear message that New York will defend our environment, protect our children’s future, and lead the clean energy economy forward.”

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The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.​