Obama Moves Closer to Seismic Testing for Oil in Atlantic

[xchrom]

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-07-18/obama-moves-closer-to-seismic-testing-for-oil-in-atlantic.html

The Obama administration took a step toward allowing oil and gas drilling off seven Atlantic Coast states for the first time in decades, establishing guidelines for seismic testing that would gauge offshore reserves.

The decision today doesn’t authorize the tests, done by ships towing guns that blast high intensity sound waves into the water. The Interior Department will consider applications for testing in light of safety standards to mitigate risks to ocean life, the head of the agency’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management said.

Environmental groups criticized the action, saying tests would pose serious risks to species including sea turtles and the right whale and could lead to drilling in a region that has been off-limits to oil exploration since the early 1980s.

“Not only is seismic exploration a gateway drug to offshore drilling, it is a major assault on our ocean itself, with far-reaching impacts on marine mammals and fish,” Michael Jasny, director of the Natural Resources Defense Council’s Marine Mammal Protection Project, said in a statement.

[newfie11]

1. NOOOO!!!

Why not use wind or waves as Europe is doing.
Enough!

[catbyte]

2. Please, Mr. President, Just.Ssay.No.

[Nihil]

3. Say No to his sponsors? You jest. (n/t)