The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will be taking public comments in Dover Thursday on the Trump administration’s proposal to open the Atlantic coast to a five-year oil and gas drilling plan.
The open house will allow Delawareans to ask questions, talk with BOEM officials and learn more about offshore drilling.
Last week, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke spared Florida’s coast from the 2019-2024 offshore leasing plan, and Gov. John Carney (D) spoke with him about why Delaware’s coast should be exempt, too.
Carney invited Zinke to visit Delaware, and says Zinke accepted the invitation.
"Delaware simply cannot accept the risks associated with offshore drilling, and we will continue to express our concerns to the Trump Administration," said Carney in a statement. "I was encouraged by my conversation with Secretary Zinke today and look forward to continued dialogue."
Many Delaware environmental groups have also opposed the plan, worried about how it will affect everything from tourism to marine life.
Delaware residents can drop by the open house Thursday from 3-7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn—Dover Downtown, 561 N. Dupont Hwy., Dover.
