* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Kraft
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
title
Opposing Oil and Gas Development Off Maryland's Shores
FOR the purpose of opposing offshore oil and gas development in the mid-Atlantic Ocean adjacent to the Maryland Coast in general, and expressing even greater concern about, and opposition to, the use of seismic blasting technology in the pursuit of such development.
body
Recitals
WHEREAS, the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is currently in the process of trying to open the mid and South Atlantic Ocean to exploration and development of offshore oil and gas through the use of risky methods, such as seismic blasting.
WHEREAS, seismic airguns fire intense blasts of compressed air which create one of the loudest manmade sounds in the ocean at 200230 decibels. These blasts can occur as frequently as every ten seconds, for days to weeks at a time. They are loud enough to harm marine and aquatic life.
WHEREAS, the impact of seismic testing and offshore drilling in the Atlantic Ocean is not yet fully understood by scientists, the oil and gas industry, BOEM, or the Federal Government.
WHEREAS, exploratory and commercial drilling, extraction, and transportation of offshore oil and gas resources continues to pose a significant risk of explosion or spill.
WHEREAS, offshore drilling may require the construction of significant onshore infrastructure, such as pipelines...
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