Government to begin seismic surveys for Atlantic drilling push

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has announced it is moving forward on seismic surveys in the Atlantic Ocean, the first step toward offshore drilling in a region where it has been blocked for decades.

The Interior Department said this week it is reviewing six applications by energy companies that were rejected by the Obama administration.

Environmental groups and many East Coast lawmakers oppose the surveys, saying loud sounds from seismic air guns could hurt marine life.

The oil and gas industry has pushed for the surveys, which map potential drilling sites for oil and natural gas. No surveys have been conducted in the midand south-Atlantic regions for at least 30 years.

The regions, as defined by the Interior Department, stretch from northern Florida to Delaware. Any new drilling activity is expected to be limited to the coasts of Virginia, North and South Carolina and Georgia.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order last month aimed at expanding drilling in the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, part of his promise to unleash the nation’s energy reserves in an effort to reduce imports of foreign oil.

Trump’s order reversed an action by former President Barack Obama and faces fierce opposition from environmental activists and many Democrats, who say

“The surveys help “a variety of federal and state partners better understand our nation’s offshore areas.” — Ryan Zinke, Interior Secretary

offshore drilling harms whales, sea turtles and other marine life and exacerbates global warming.

In addition to providing data on potential sites for offshore oil and natural gas production, seismic surveys are also used to locate sites for offshore wind structures, pinpoint potential seafloor hazards and locate resources for beach restoration, the department said.

Data from seismic surveys also assists officials in determining fair market value of offshore resources.

The surveys help “a variety of federal and state partners better understand our nation’s offshore areas and evaluate resources that belong to the American people,” said Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.

Industry groups hailed the announcement, while environmentalists warned of potential oil spills that could cripple coastal tourism.