Statement From Senator Phillips On Offshore Drilling In Long Island Waters

As elected officials, we have a responsibility to protect Long Island’s fragile environment and sole-source aquifer. Offshore drilling would put our natural resources in jeopardy, risk nearly 350,000 coastline jobs and endanger our fishing, leisure and tourism industries, which generate more than $30 billion statewide.

New York must continue to lead the way on renewable energy resources such as wind, solar and geothermal to protect our environment and waterways for current residents and future generations.  My colleagues and I provided the largest single investment in clean water in our state’s history and I remain committed to opposing initiatives such as offshore drilling that would be detrimental to our region.