Federal Scientist Want Limited Offshore Drilling

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The federal government's top ocean scientists are recommending the Interior Department drastically reduce plans to open the coast to offshore oil and gas drilling. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration opposes new drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, saying this a major threat to the environment, marine life and will have devastating effects of oil spills in the ocean waters.

If adopted, this would restrict development in some of the nation's most rich, untapped offshore areas. This would also mark a big departure from the pro-drilling policies of the George W. BushGeorge W. Bush administration.

Jane Lubchenco, an administrator for the NOAA, wrote a letter to the Interior officials in September calling for a ban on drilling in the Arctic until oil companies can greatly improve their ability to prevent and clean up oil spills. The letter also asked for a delay in new drilling plans until the Obama administration ocean policy task force completes its work later this year.

Dr. Richard Steiner, a marine biologist at the University of Alaska, echos concerns by many environmental groups, fishermen, Alaska natives, community groups and scientists. Steiner said, "The significance is that here we have one federal agency supporting what we have been saying all along regarding the push to lease offshore in Alaska. The agency's comments put Interior in a corner in all of this."

Jeff Ruch, the Executive Director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility said, "It is refreshing to hear the voices of marine scientists who were silenced for the past eight years." It was also noted publicized documents show Bush officials overruling or downplaying environmental concerns.

BP America highly supported the Bush plan, writing, "The oil, gas exploration and development sector has a strong record of environmental and safety performance. We believe that if new areas are opened, they can be leased, explored and developed safely and in an environmentally sensitive manner."