CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — The Cape May County Chamber of Commerce urges residents and visitors to submit comments to the federal government opposing offshore drilling along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is accepting public comments until Aug. 17 to start this two year process. Your comments in opposition are crucial to influencing the process going forward and protecting our Atlantic Coast.
Opening new areas in the Atlantic poses unacceptable risks to Cape May County’s coastal economy. Every U.S. coast where offshore oil and gas is produced and transported has suffered multiple massive spills and billions of dollars in damages.
Cape May County is home to many unique species of aquatic life that depend on our pristine waters and healthy wetlands. Environmental destruction of the Atlantic’s coastline would be guaranteed in some capacity if these offshore oil drilling leases are released.
To submit your comments, visit www.regulations.gov. In the search tab, type BOEM-2017-0050. The page will open to “Requests for Information: Preparation of 2019-2024 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program.” Click on the “Comment Now” box on the right. This will display the Web comment form. [Hint: Write your comment in advance in another document (e.g. Word). Then simply cut & paste into the comment form. This will reduce the chance of mistakes while editing your comment.]
Finally, enter your contact information and uncheck the box “I am submitting on behalf of a third party.” After completing the form, click “Preview Comment” to review, then click “Submit.”
Written comments on the proposed 2019-2024 program may also be mailed to Ms. Kelly Hammerle, National Program Manager, BOEM, 45600 Woodland Road, Mailstop VAM-LD, Sterling, VA 20166.
