Forrester for Governor

Forrester: No Drilling Off Jersey Shore
Reiterates oppositon to endangering environment or economy

Gubernatorial nominee Doug Forrester responded today to recent news reports indicating that U.S. Interior Secretary Gail Norton did not immediately reject proposals to resume drilling off the East Coast . Forrester said Norton was wrong to not maintain outright support for the current 25-year moratorium. Forrester also reiterated his categorical opposition to proposals now under consideration in Congress to end the moratorium and called on New Jersey ’s Legislature to enact legislation barring the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from ever issuing the necessary State permits to drill.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2005
Contact: Sherry Sylvester
609.452.0101
210.241.5296

Forrester: No Drilling Off Jersey Shore

Reiterates oppositon to endangering environment or economy

( WEST WINDSOR, NJ ) – Gubernatorial nominee Doug Forrester responded today to recent news reports indicating that U.S. Interior Secretary Gail Norton did not immediately reject proposals to resume drilling off the East Coast . Forrester said Norton was wrong to not maintain outright support for the current 25-year moratorium. Forrester also reiterated his categorical opposition to proposals now under consideration in Congress to end the moratorium and called on New Jersey ’s Legislature to enact legislation barring the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from ever issuing the necessary State permits to drill.

"This apparent reversal of policy is unacceptable -- it’s wrong for New Jersey . The Jersey Shore is a precious natural resource that must not be subjected to the risks posed by offshore oil drilling,� said Forrester. “Our shore is the anchor of a coastal tourism industry that brings in $21.6 billion annually, and we cannot permit it to be put in long-term jeopardy as a result of fluctuations in the oil industry. It is the job of the governor to be an advocate for New Jersey and when I’m am elected I will make preserving our beautiful Jersey shore a top priority. When you you consider how much of our state economy depends on a healthy coastline, this is a no brainer.�

Cape May, Atlantic, Ocean and Monmouth counties depend heavily upon tourism-related employment. Nearly one-quarter of the U.S. population lives within a single tank of gas car ride from the shore.

“I urge all members of Congress to reject any attempt to overturn the moratorium that has been in place for over two decades on drilling off the New Jersey coast,� Forrester said. In the meantime, the Legislature should swiftly pass legislation requiring DEP to deny any permit under the ‘Coastal Area Facility Review Act’ or other form of approval for any development, facility or activity associated with offshore drilling for oil or natural gas.�

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