An alliance of pro-drilling coastal state governors and the energy industry is pressing the Obama administration to open the Atlantic to oil and gas development. But a growing grassroots movement is fighting the plan, arguing that the environmental and economic risks are too great.
Image:
The area of the Atlantic where, after intense lobbying by a secretive alliance of coastal state governors and energy industry insiders, the Obama administration has proposed offering an offshore oil and gas drilling lease. A growing grassroots movement is working to block the plan. (Map from Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.)
Image Caption:
<p>The area of the Atlantic where, after intense lobbying by a secretive alliance of coastal state governors and energy industry insiders, the Obama administration has proposed offering an offshore oil and gas drilling lease. A growing grassroots movement is working to block the plan. (<em>Map from Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.</em>)</p>