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The Obama administration will remove drilling off the Atlantic Coast from its Oil and Gas Leasing program, according to a Tuesday announcement made by Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell.

Jewell cited significant potential conflicts with other ocean uses such as the Department of Defense and commercial interests, current market dynamics, limited infrastructure, and opposition from many coastal communities as reasons for the reversal, the news release stated.

“We heard from many corners that now is not the time to offer oil and gas leasing off the Atlantic coast,” Jewell said. “When you factor in conflicts with national defense, economic activities such as fishing and tourism, and opposition from many local communities, it simply doesn’t make sense to move forward with any lease sales in the coming five years.”

The decision comes less than two months after hundreds gathered at the Asbury Park boardwalk to protest the off-shore offshore oil and gas exploration. Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. [NJ-06] was joined by U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker, as well as over 100 local leaders, environmental and tourism groups, Jersey Shore business owners and residents.

“I am pleased and relieved that the Department of Interior abandoned its earlier proposal to allow drilling in the Atlantic from Georgia to Virginia,” said Rep. Frank Pallone Jr, D-6th District.“That proposal was incredibly shortsighted, and would have threatened the ecology and economy, and public health all along the Atlantic coast, including our New Jersey coastline.”

“Today’s announcement is a victory for our economy, our environment and the overall well-being of our shore communities,” said Sen. Menendez. “I’m pleased the Administration heard our voices and put the values of New Jerseyans ahead of the financial interests of the oil industry. Standing together, we proved we can beat Big Oil and protect our Jersey Shore for generations to come.”

“Today marks a huge win for our environment, our economy and most importantly the people of New Jersey,” said Sen. Booker. “I’ve been proud to stand with my colleagues and fellow stakeholders in opposing offshore drilling in the Atlantic ever since it was first included in this proposal.  We fought hard to protect the Jersey Shore from the potential devastating effects of a catastrophic oil spill and New Jerseyans’ voices were heard loud and clear – this is our shoreline and we stand united in protecting it from any and all threats.”

“It’s a great day for the Atlantic Ocean and the thousands of citizens who fought to protect the coast,” said Clean Ocean Action Executive Director Cindy Zipf, who helped organize the January event. “It is a clear “David and Goliath” victory that proves the power of the people.”

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