On the recordSeptember 10, 2019
Mr. Speaker, it is hard to believe that some have already forgotten the lessons we have learned from the BP oil spill disaster. It was only a few years ago that we saw millions of gallons of oil being spilled into the Gulf of Mexico, and, sadly, many areas are still recovering. In California, we have seen the disastrous effects offshore drilling can have on our oceans and the lives that depend on it. We had our own disaster in Santa Barbara exactly 50 years ago. Night after night, we saw images of birds and sea otters drenched in oil and pictures of dead seals and dolphins. It was heartbreaking. And this is why we say never again. Offshore drilling is not the answer to our country's energy challenges. We can and we must invest in clean, renewable energy. California, as everybody knows, has one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, and we have to keep it that way. So I urge my colleagues, vote to keep our oceans clean and reject more offshore drilling. ____________________
