Oil Drilling Concerns Rise Near Maine's Coastline

Oil drilling near Maine's coastline, specifically off the coast of Nova Scotia, has sparked concerns among fishermen and environmentalists due to its proximity to the Gulf of Maine and George's Bank, a crucial fishing ground for New England. Norway's Statoil has received a lease to explore for oil in this area, which is within 225 miles of Bar Harbor and poses a risk of oil spills into Maine's waters, echoing concerns of a potential well blowout similar to the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon disaster. The Maine Coast Fishermen's Association and environmental groups are uncertain about their ability to influence the process, which is taking place outside of US waters.

Key Takeaways:

• Norway's Statoil has been granted permission to explore for oil off the coast of Nova Scotia, within 225 miles of Bar Harbor, near the Gulf of Maine and George's Bank, a significant fishing ground.
• The proximity of this exploration to Maine's waters raises concerns about the potential for oil spills and well blowouts, echoing the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon disaster.
• The Maine Coast Fishermen's Association and environmental groups are uncertain about their ability to influence the exploration process, which is taking place outside of US waters.
• Shell and BP have previously conducted exploration in the area to the east of George's Bank.
• The Natural Resources Council of Maine's Dylan Voorhees notes that it may take further research to understand the potential influence of American or Maine voices in this process.
• Governor LePage has been a vocal supporter of offshore drilling.

Statistics:

• 225 miles: The distance from Bar Harbor to the area of oil exploration off the coast of Nova Scotia.
• 2010: The year of the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster.
• Undisclosed: The time frame in which Statoil plans to conduct oil exploration.
• Unspecified: The consideration given to environmental concerns in the government's decision-making process.

Sources:

• Global Data Point. (2015). Oil Drilling Near Maine's Coastline Sparks Concerns. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info)