SEN. COLLINS SUPPORTS PROPOSAL TO PROTECT GEORGES BANK

Washington, DC –Senator Susan Collins today supported an amendment to the Energy bill introduced by Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL) that would strike a provision requiring the government to inventory all potential oil and natural gas resources in the entire outer continental shelf. Senator Collins objects to this inventory, which would allow potentially damaging seismic technology in the vital fishing grounds of Georges Bank and the other areas of the outer continental shelf. In addition, if an oil spill were to occur as a result of drilling on Georges Bank, it would have catastrophic effects on the Bank's unique ecosystem.

"Georges Bank is a magnificent American resource. It is one of the most productive fisheries in the world, where Mainers and many others harvest cod, haddock, yellowtail flounder, scallops, lobsters, swordfish, and herring. I am extremely concerned that any drilling or even predrilling activities on Georges Bank could destroy the ecosystem and economies of the coastal communities of the coastal communities of New England," Senator Collins said. "I have long worked to protect Georges Bank from the potentially devastating impacts of offshore oil and gas drilling; and will remain committed to protecting our nation's invaluable fishing grounds."

Although the amendment was defeated, Senator Collins will continue her opposition to the provision, when and if the bill goes to conference. This strategy was successful in the 108th Congress when a similar amendment offered by Senator Collins was unsuccessful on the Senate Floor but ultimately prevailed when the bill went to Conference.

Senator Collins has worked consistently on this issue during her time in the Senate. In 1999, Senator Collins introduced a resolution imposing a moratorium on drilling on the Canadian side of Georges Bank until 2012. The United States also has a moratorium on drilling Georges Bank until 2012.

Senator Collins also worked to include language in the FY 2002 Interior Appropriations Bill that would prohibit the use of funds for offshore preleasing, leasing, or related activity on Georges Bank. This amendment was signed into law, and similar language has been included in subsequent interior appropriations bills.

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