Opposed to Offshore Drilling

East Hampton Town Councilman Peter Van Scoyoc will sponsor a resolution expressing opposition to the expansion of offshore drilling in the Atlantic Ocean proposed by President Donald Trump.

The president’s America-First Offshore Energy Strategy would reverse President Barack Obama’s action barring energy exploration in Atlantic ocean canyons from Massachusetts to Virginia, as well as in the Arctic.

Trump’s move to expand offshore drilling has earned approval from the energy industry, while environmental groups have voiced opposition and concern. A 45-day comment period on the federal plan ends Aug. 15.

“This ban being lifted and opening up the Atlantic to drilling is of great concern to me,” Councilman Van Scoyoc said at a town board meeting on Tuesday. “An oil spill off our coast could be devastating. It could affect our tourism, our recreation, and our fishing in very negative ways.”

The town board, Mr. Van Scoyoc said, should “take a strong stance” against the new offshore drilling.