Virginia Gov-Elect McDonnell Promoting Offshore Drilling

Governor-elect Robert F. McDonnell (R) recently sent a letter to U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar asking him to allow for the exploration of oil and gas off Virginia's coast. Outgoing Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) made a similar request while in office. The Center opposes expanded offshore drilling, particularly on the East and West coasts.

The 25-year-old federal moratorium on offshore energy exploration and development expired in 2008. The Minerals Management Service, part of the Interior Department, included Virginia in its five-year plan and began soliciting companies to drill off the coast in 2011. It is the only state on the East Coast included in the plan. Secretary of Interior Salazar has halted the process to review the plan and get input from the public. (Wash Post, 12/30/09)