Today, Democratic Lt. Gubernatorial candidate Ashley Cooper called for an immediate moratorium on new offshore oil drilling and exploration. Cooper’s position is in sharp contrast to his opponents currently competing in a Republican primary who favor drilling despite the risk.

“What the disaster in The Gulf has shown us is that we simply don’t have the redundant safety measures to prevent these types of accidents. We just can’t afford to keep drilling with the risk of this happening again,” Cooper said. “I want a moratorium on new platforms until we can implement the additional safety measures to prevent future accidents.”

Cooper, an attorney focusing on energy law, pointed out that much of South Carolina’s economy is dependent on our natural resources. “Had this happened off our coast it would have devastated our already shaky economy. We need to protect our fisherman, food supply, tourism industry, and natural resources. That’s why I’m calling for a moratorium now,” Cooper said.

“Experts have said that the accident in the Gulf could eventually impact the Eastern coastline of the United States so I am calling on South Carolina’s Congressional delegation to join together as South Carolinians — not as Democrats and Republicans -- to introduce legislation to create a moratorium on off shore drilling until we have investigated the cause of this accident and are beyond certain that we have safety measures in place to ensure it doesn’t happen again. I hope my opponents in this race will put politics aside and join me in protecting our economy and environment”.

Cooper discussed his call for a moratorium during an interview with WIS Newswatch which will air this Sunday at 10:30 AM.

Bookmark/Search this post with:

Delicious |  Digg |  StumbleUpon |  Reddit |  Newsvine |  Facebook