FOLLOW US

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law a bill prohibiting offshore drilling in state waters.

The legislation is a direct response opposing the Trump administration’s proposal to open most of the coastal areas of the United States to oil and gas drilling.

The State of New York requested the federal government to exclude it from its offshore drilling program. The state explained that it could lose hundreds of thousands jobs and billions of dollars generated from its tourism and fishing industries.

The newly-signed legislation prohibits the issuance of permits for oil and gas drilling or exploration in offshore areas controlled by the State of New York.

In addition, it prohibits the leasing of State-owned underwater coastal land that would authorize or facilitate the exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas.

In a statement, Cuomo said, "This bill says no way are you going to drill off the coast of Long Island and New York, because we must lead the way as an alternative to what this federal government is doing.”

He added, "Today is about making sure Jones Beach and all of the coastal communities are here for our children and for the next generation. We must make sure we leave this world a better place for them because our job as parents, as citizens, as human beings is to pass it on better than you found it."

On the other hand, Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, said, "This legislation to ban offshore drilling in New York's waterways is part of our ongoing efforts to protect our water quality and reduce greenhouse gas emission.”

Hochul added that New York continues to lead in helping combat climate changes with its aggressive clean energy goals. It is committed to ensuring that the future generations will inherit a cleaner and greener environment.

The state made significant investments in supporting the region’s marine resources including $2.5 billion for the Clean Water Infrastructure Act and $500 million additional funds for clean water in its 2019-2020 budget.