Barbara Boxer: “today I am introducing the Coastal States Protection Act, which is intended to protect our Nation's fragile coastlines…”

“today I am introducing the Coastal States Protection Act, which is intended to protect our Nation's fragile coastlines from the detrimental environmental impacts of offshore oil and gas development. Chronic leakage associated with normal oil and gas operations, as well as catastrophic spills such as the horrific Santa Barbara spill in 1969, irreparably contaminate the ocean floor, tidelands, and beaches. In California, there is strong and enduring public support for the protection of our oceans and coastlines. My State decided that the potential benefits that might be derived from future offshore oil and gas development were not worth the risk of destroying our priceless coastal treasures. To ensure that our beaches remain pristine and our waters clear, California passed legislation permanently prohibiting oil and gas exploration in State waters. Unfortunately, the State only has jurisdiction over the territory that extends three nautical miles out from shore. Federal waters off the coast of California, which extend beyond State waters to 200 nautical miles out, have received several forms of temporary protection from additional offshore oil and gas development. Since 1982, Congress has approved successive 1-year leasing and drilling moratoria that have provided protection for U.S. waters. In 1998, President Clinton issued a 10-year ban on Outer Continental Shelf activity off the coast of California.”