Lynn C. Woolsey: “the majority party believes that if we just keep drilling for more gas and oil then our energy crisis will be over.…”

“the majority party believes that if we just keep drilling for more gas and oil then our energy crisis will be over. Unfortunately, they are not looking for a solution to our energy crisis and a solution to our rising gas prices. They are just looking short term for false security solutions that ultimately line the pockets of big oil companies. Mr. Chairman, that is why we are here today discussing offshore oil drilling instead of promoting efficient and renewable energy policies. The people that I am fortunate to represent in Marin and Sonoma Counties north of San Francisco, across the Golden Gate Bridge, do understand. They get it. The coast of my district is one of the most biologically productive regions in the entire world, and it would be threatened, threatened by oil and gas exploration if this bill passes as is. For this reason, I have introduced a bill to extend the Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries along the entire coast of Sonoma to protect it from offshore drilling threats. The coastal communities in my district rely on tourism and fishing, industries that would be severely hurt if offshore drilling was permitted. If you were to visit this beautiful stretch of coast you would understand why, and you would know that we must protect it. Mr. Chairman, the people who live in my district strongly oppose offshore drilling.…”