NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (AP) - Several of the state’s top elected leaders are asking Rhode Islanders to voice their concerns about to the Trump administration’s plan to allow drilling off the coast.
Gov. Gina Raimondo (ray-MAHN’-doh), U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Reps. David Cicilline (sihs-ihl-EE’-nee) and Jim Langevin (LAN’-jih-vin), all Democrats, on Monday say drilling would threaten the state’s 400 miles of coastline and sensitive marine ecosystems and could have lasting environmental and economic repercussions.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is scheduled to hold a public meeting in Providence on Feb. 28.
The Trump administration has proposed a vast expansion of offshore drilling that would open 90 percent of the nation’s offshore reserves to development by private companies.
The Democratic officials warn it could hurt the fishing industry, tourism and the environment.
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