Asbury Park Area Lawmaker Gets State To Oppose Offshore Oil

Assemblyman Sean T. Kean, R-Monmouth/Ocean, is the prime sponsor of a resolution opposing the federal government's proposal to allow oil and gas offshore drilling off of the New Jersey coast. Kean has opposed offshore drilling throughout his legislative career under both Democratic and Republican administrations.

"We need the federal government to know that New Jersey is vehemently opposed to any oil or gas drilling off of our coast," said Assemblyman Sean Kean. "Offshore drilling is a serious threat to our economy, tourism, quality of life, and our most precious natural resources-the ocean and beach."

In 2016, the tourism sector generated $38.2 billion of state GDP, representing 6.5 percent of the entire state economy. Further, the tourism industry directly supported 321,231 jobs in New Jersey in 2016.

Kean continued, "Monmouth and Ocean Counties, as well as Atlantic and Cape May, rely on these tourism dollars and jobs. We would put the tourism industry at risk by allowing offshore drilling. People are not going to visit New Jersey and spend money if there is any type of environmental disaster."

In addition, the recreational and commercial fishing industries also contribute to the state economy and depend on a clean, healthy ocean.

"The ocean and beach are integral to our economy and quality of life in New Jersey," remarked Kean. "Further, we have a responsibility to maintain a clean environment for future generations which includes our beautiful beaches and ocean."

Asm. Kean was to introduce the legislation on Monday.

Patricia Miller photo