Gov. Inslee, NW Leaders, Oppose Oil and Gas Leasing Off Pacific Coast

Gov. Inslee, Oregon Gov. Mike Kitzhaber and CA Governor Jerry Brown have signed a letter that's being sent to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, and it could have an impact on our energy independence.

In 2017,  there will be potential new oil and gas leases issued for exploration and retrieval by the Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program run by the government.  The three governors claim such exploration could potentially cause harm to the environment.

From the letter:

"...we write to express our strong opposition to the inclusion of any new proposed oil and gas lease sale off our shared coast in the 2017-2022 Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program.
Together, our three states represent the fifth largest economy in the world. Our ocean dependent industries contribute billions of dollars annually to our region and sustain our coastal communities. Residents and visitors from around the world enjoy the recreation, scenic, and spiritual bounty of our spectacular shores.
While new technology reduces the risk of a catastrophic event such as the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, a sizeable spill anywhere along our shared coast would have a devastating impact on our population, recreation, natural resources, and our ocean and coastal dependent economies.
Of equal importance is the commitment of our three states, together with British Columbia, to a comprehensive and far-reaching strategy to combat climate change and promote a clean energy economy, the Pacific Coast Action Plan on Climate and Energy. The Plan aligns closely with the President’s own Climate Action Plan. Our commitment to clean energy development in the marine environment is exemplified by the partnership to usher in the nation’s first floating wind project and wave energy test facility located off the coast of Oregon.
Oil and gas leasing may be appropriate for regions where there is state support for such development and the impacts can be mitigated. However, along the West Coast,
our states stand ready to work with the Obama Administration to help craft a comprehensive and science based national energy policy that aligns with the actions we are taking to invest in energy efficiency..."

So, the three governors are throwing in behind President Obama, and essentially saying they are signing off on his proven failed green energy platform.  We have seen hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars wasted on dozens of green energy companies who have failed, gone out of business, or been accused of fraud - all without any tangible results.   No new widespread energy sources,  no reduced costs for consumers, and no progress.

It is interesting to see these three signed off on this letter, without consulting with their constituents, business leaders, and others who depend upon affordable energy to power our economy.