Oregon lawmakers permanently ban offshore drilling

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Oregon lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a permanent ban on offshore drilling Tuesday as the federal government forges ahead with a plan that could open up the Pacific for exploration.

The House voted 47-8 to prohibit drilling and exploration on state marine waters. The measure indefinitely extends a 10-year ban on the practice that was set to expire next year.

It also outlaws any activities and infrastructure that would support drilling in federal waters off the Oregon coast.

The bill now goes to Gov. Kate Brown for her signature. The governor issued an executive order to block offshore drilling last year after the Trump administration proposed dozens of potential oil leasing sites off the Pacific coast, including one off the coast of Oregon and Washington.

The Western States Petroleum Association, which represents oil and gas interests in Western states, notes there is currently no oil production or refinement in Oregon, on or offshore.