Hundreds to gather in Tacoma to protect coastal businesses and beaches
from Trump-proposed drilling
TACOMA—On Feb. 5, hundreds of Washingtonians will travel to Tacoma to voice their opposition to a federal proposal that would open up 90 percent of the nation’s coastline—including Washington’s—to oil and gas drilling. The proposal, issued by the Department of Interior in January, threatens a fishing, tourism and recreation economy worth millions of dollars. The Feb. 5 events will unite Washington’s business, fishing, tribal, tourism and conservation interests with elected leaders including Gov. Jay Inslee.
WHAT: Press conference, citizens forum and rally at the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) hearing
WHEN: Monday, Feb. 5, 2018
1-2 p.m. Press conference, Gothic Room (see below)
2-8 p.m. Citizen’s forum (testimony from members of the public)
5:30 p.m. Outdoor rally in front of building
3-7 p.m. BOEM public hearing (written testimony only)
WHERE: Gothic Room in the Landmark Catering and Convention Center
WHO:
Speakers: Jay Inslee, Governor
Gina James, Quinault Indian Nation Business Councilmember
Larry Thevik, President, WA Dungeness Crab Fishermen’s Association
Chad Bowechop, manager, Makah Tribe Office of Marine Affairs
Crystal Dingler, Mayor of Ocean Shores
Johannes Ariens, LOGE Camp and Motel, Westport
Hilary Franz, Commissioner of Public Lands
Bob Ferguson, Attorney General (at Citizens Forum, approx. 3 p.m.)
VISUALS: In addition to speakers, crowds (large group wearing blue t-shirts), art installations with mock oil rigs, haz-mat outfitted people mopping up fake oil spill, banners
Background: On January 4, 2018, the Trump administration released the 2019-2024 draft plan to drill for oil and gas in U.S. waters. Washington officials immediately voiced their opposition, joining coastal leaders from both parties around the country in urging the Department of the Interior to protect their economies and communities. The Pacific Coast has been closed to new drilling for over 3 decades, with the last federal lease sales taking place in 1984. Commercial, tribal, and sport fishing, tourism and recreation businesses are threatened by the prospect of increased risks of an oil spill.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is accepting public comments on the draft plan through March 9, and will hold a single public hearing in each state to gather additional input. The plan will undergo two more rounds of revisions and review before it is finalized.