Offshore Oil Drilling

An announcement is expected soon about the Bush Administration’s plans for expanded offshore oil drilling along the California coastline.

The Administration’s likely recommendation will be for a temporary delay for Northern California lease sale No. 91 (along the coast of Humboldt in Mendocino County), and a similar delay for Southern California lease sale No. 95. If these delays are in the range of 2-5 years, as anticipated, that is not enough protection for our coast.

After a 10-year effort in Congress and in the courts to protect our spectacular coastline, the citizens of our state should not stand for another short-term delay. We know now that our coastal tourism economy and our air quality are seriously threatened by drilling rigs. We know that the anticipated petroleum reserves which may be located offshore are meager at best. Even the prestigious National Academy of Sciences panel, which analyzed plans for the proposed leases, raised serious questions about the wisdom of proceeding with drilling. This technical panel clearly stated that the Interior Department does not have adequate scientific information to ensure that the environment will be safe if drilling is allowed.

When campaigning in California during the 1988 presidential election, President Bush promised to re-evaluate federal plans for oil drilling off the California coast. A year ago, during his budget address to Congress, President Bush spoke of his commitment to ensure that offshore oil drilling would only proceed when and where it could go forward without harm to the environment. Now is the time for all concerned California residents to contact their representatives and Bush, urging permanent protection of California coastal waters.

LIDA LENNEY

Mayor, Laguna Beach