McEachin Presents Offshore Accountability Act at Natural Resources Subcommittee

WASHINGTON– Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) presented his Offshore Accountability Act (H.R. 570) today to the Energy and Mineral Resources subcommittee of the Natural Resources Committee. This legislation would require offshore drilling operators to report failures of critical operating systems directly to the Secretary of the Interior, who would be required to publicly publish these incident reports.

“We need to be moving away from fossil fuels and from offshore drilling, period,” McEachin said. “Drilling in our coastal waters risks accidents that destroy flora and fauna, potentially puts workers’ lives at risk and can be detrimental to coastal communities. Moreover, with the climate crisis, we must accelerate the use of renewable energy sources.

“Where offshore drilling presently exists, we can and must ensure appropriate oversight and transparency. This legislation is a step in that direction by at least requiring the public reporting of system failure and problems. No longer will oil and gas companies be able to hide issues or keep the public from knowing when serious concerns arise. Even as we move to renewable energy, we need transparency - shining a bright light on the dangers and accidents in fossil fuel drilling.”

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For more information, please contact:

Tara Rountree, Chief of Staff

U.S. Representative A. Donald McEachin (VA-04)

202-225-6365

Tara.Rountree@mail.house.gov