As Election Nears, Trump Expands Moratorium On Atlantic Drilling

"This week, President Trump expanded a ban on exploratory drilling off the coasts of North Carolina and Virginia, his latest extension of an existing offshore drilling moratorium in the Gulf of Mexico.

The memorandum, which Trump signed Friday, 'prevents consideration of this area for any leasing for purposes of exploration, development, or production during the 10-year period beginning on July 1, 2022, and ending on June 30, 2032.'

The memo makes clear that the ban on leasing does not apply if it's for 'environmental conservation purposes, including the purposes of shore protection, beach nourishment and restoration, wetlands restoration, and habitat protection.'"

Matthew S. Schwartz reports for NPR September 26, 2020.

Source: NPR, 09/28/2020