    [Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 10, 2018)]
    [House]
    [Page H127]
    From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                            OPPOSE OFFSHORE DRILLING

      (Mr. PANETTA asked and was given permission to address the House for
    1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
      Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, last week, the Trump administration
    announced a proposal to open our Nation's Federal waters to potential
    oil and gas exploration.
      Immediately, leaders and lawmakers from the West Coast to the East
    Coast, and Republicans and Democrats from the leftwing to the rightwing
    came out against such a proposal for offshore oil drilling.
      Being from the central coast of California, I know how important our
    oceans and our coastlines are for our economy, our businesses, our
    communities, and our families. That is why we have long fought to
    protect our coast from drilling with zoning laws and limiting onshore
    oil infrastructure to the designation of the Monterey Bay National
    Marine Sanctuary, and legislation to protect our oceans and coasts.
      I believe that, in Congress, we will work to uphold those laws and
    legacy of protection and preservation, but the Trump administration
    needs to hear from you. So I ask my constituents and all Americans to
    share why they also oppose this proposal for oil drilling off our
    coast. Participate in the public comment period that is now open until
    March 9, for it is your opportunity to speak directly to the
    administration, to stand up for your community, and to protect our
    environment and our future.

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