The Interior Department announced today that it is indefinitely suspending the Obama administration’s plan to allow oil and gas drilling off the coast of Virginia. The announcement comes as crews are still trying to contain a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Northern Virginia congressman Jim Moran (D), who chairs the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement on the suspension:
The Department made the right decision. It’s wholly appropriate given that thousands of gallons of oil continue to pour into the Gulf from a drilling accident we have yet to fully comprehend. Experts are concerned that the disaster could spread up the East Coast, contaminating Virginia’s shores, if containment efforts fail.
In light of these facts, moving forward on the lease sale at this time would be highly inappropriate. I appreciate the Obama administration’s wise course of action.