Obama Proposes East Coast Drilling

And boy are the usual suspect mad: Environmental groups question drilling off Va. coast

While supported by Virginia's political establishment, the Obama administration's decision to open waters off the state's coast and elsewhere along the Atlantic is being condemned by environmental groups.

Groups like the Sierra Club and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation reacted Tuesday after the administration floated the idea of opening for the first time vast areas off Virginia, North and South Carolina and Georgia to oil companies in 2021.

The Virginia chapter of the Sierra Club says offshore oil exploration threatens the state's coastal tourism economy, as well as the fishing industry. The Bay Foundation says offshore drilling creates a new pollution source in waters off the mouth of the bay.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe has led the bipartisan support for what he calls responsible oil and gas exploration off the state's coast.

Other takes. A more positive view from the Bal'more Sun: Obama administration proposes offshore Atlantic drilling

The Obama administration proposes to allow oil and gas drilling off the Atlantic coast for the first time in over 30 years, drawing fire from environmentalists and many East Coast lawmakers about the potential for spills that could harm the Chesapeake Bay and resorts like Ocean City.

Federal officials hope to issue an offshore lease from Virginia south to Georgia as part of a plan offering more leases in the Gulf of Mexico and off Alaska, the administration said Tuesday. The government will gather further information to refine the plan and issue the Atlantic lease in six years.

Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said it is was part of a "balanced proposal" to exploit the nation's offshore oil and gas reserves while protecting "areas that are simply too special to develop."

In deference to opposition from West Coast states, the plan continues a long-standing prohibition on drilling in the Pacific Ocean. President Barack Obama also put five areas in Alaskan waters off limits because of the richness of their wildlife and value to native communities.

I guess climate change is worse when it help red states.

Draft plan shows offshore drilling is possible from Virginia to Georgia

Dems slam Obama’s Atlantic drilling proposal

Environmental Groups Continue Offshore Drilling Protests

White House unveils plan to open Atlantic waters to offshore oil drilling

Drill, baby, drill.