Letter to the editor: Thanks to lawmakers for offshore drilling resolution

I’m writing to express my deep thanks to the Maine Legislature for passing a joint resolution urging the president to exclude Maine from offshore oil and gas drilling. The resolution was passed Feb. 15.

The resolution notes that 46,319 jobs and more than $2.3 billion of Maine’s gross domestic product depend on clean, oil-free water, beaches, and abundant wildlife. Sixty-five percent of Maine’s ocean-derived income stems from its tourism and recreation sector – contributing over $1.2 billion to the state’s economy.

It is obvious to everyone (except our governor) that these assets would be put at risk by routine drilling operations and on-shore industrialization – to say nothing of the catastrophic consequences of an offshore drilling accident.

Here’s hoping that Gov. LePage is listening.

James Brokaw

Brunswick

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