Ocean Frontiers: Offshore Drilling Comment Deadline is March 9

DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS ON OFFSHORE DRILLING PLAN IS MARCH 9

The Trump administration wants to open the West Coast, the East Coast and the Arctic to offshore oil and gas activities in its proposed new 5 year plan. Public comments are being accepted until March 9th, and Interior Secretary Zinke and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) are asking members of the public to weigh in on the proposal. Many legislators and governors on both sides of the aisle, along with numerous coastal municipalities and business owners who rely on clean oceans, vehemently oppose this proposal. We’ve assembled information from BOEM and our colleagues for you to learn more and take action.

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?

COMMENT SUBMISSION TIPS – When submitting written comments, include as much fact-based material as possible. Include links to data or research; provide specifics regarding impacts to the ocean, coasts, wildlife, plants, humans and human uses; and provide specifics on where and when you use the ocean. Opinion-based comments are not helpful – what’s critical is that comments are substantive and unique.
BOEM Helpful Comment Tips  /  Jake’s Guide to Effective Public Comments 
Surfrider sample letter  /  The Ocean Foundation sample letter

3. Attend a BOEM Hearing – BOEM has been holding one public meeting in each state capital, several of which are coming up soon. The meetings run from 3-7pm (5-9pm in AK) and have an open house format. Note: There is no opportunity to testify at these open houses. List of BOEM meetings

4. Attend a Public Rally – Conservation groups are jointly organizing a series of public rallies in connection with the BOEM meetings. Buses have been organized for many of these events.