Pallone, Menendez, Booker Criticize NOAA Approval of Seismic Testing off Jersey Shore

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Senator Corey Booker (D-NJ) made the following statement on today’s announcement from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that it will be issuing an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to Rutgers University, the Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory and the National Science Foundation from June through August of this year. The IHA will allow for the injury or disturbance of marine mammals during a seismic survey conducted by Rutgers University less than 16 miles off the coast of Long Beach Island, New Jersey. An IHA was also approved last year despite Congressman Pallone’s opposition but the project did not move forward due to mechanical issues.

“It was a bad idea for NOAA to allow for seismic testing off the Jersey Shore last year, and it’s a bad idea this year. Seismic blasting is extremely hazardous to marine mammals and can disrupt migration patterns and fish spawning. As the New Jersey coastal economy continues to rebound from the effects of Superstorm Sandy, our fisheries cannot afford to take a hit this summer. We will continue to fight at every opportunity for the environmental and economic well-being of the Jersey Shore.”

Last month, Pallone and Senators Menendez and Booker wrote to NOAA in opposition to the seismic testing application.

Congressman Frank Pallone Votes to Oppose GOP Offshore Oil Drilling Plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) voted against the H.R. 6082, a bill that expands offshore oil drilling off the East Coast in the Atlantic Ocean.  The Republican offshore drilling plan would expose environmentally sensitive areas and coastal communities to unprecedented risk and could potentially devastate the nation’s Eastern seaboard.

“I am totally opposed to offshore drilling off the Atlantic Coast and as a representative from a coastal district, I am fearful of the impact it may have on my constituents,” said Pallone.  “This bill pursues a very dangerous policy agenda by providing Big Oil access to drill in the Atlantic Ocean, and putting valuable marine resources and beaches at risk.”

H.R. 6082 restores Bush era policies that force lease sales in Atlantic waters.  Pallone offered an Amendment to the bill in the House Rules Committee, which was rejected by Republicans, that would have removed the requirement to move forward with certain lease sales.  The amendment would have protected the coastal economy in New Jersey and the surrounding states.

“Opening up portions of the Atlantic to drill is unnecessary because giving Big Oil unfettered access to drill in our oceans will do little to nothing to ease the pain at the pump for consumers,” said Pallone.  “We can't drill our way to solving our energy problems.  We need to get out of that mindset and focus on investments in more sustainable energy solutions.  The only real solution to protecting consumers from volatile gas prices is to reduce our dependency on oil.”