A. In recognition of the need for energy independence, it shall be the policy of the Commonwealth to support federal efforts to:
1. Determine the extent of oil and natural gas resources 50 miles or more off the Atlantic shoreline, including appropriate federal funding for such an investigation; and
2. Permit the production and development of oil and natural gas resources 50 miles or more off the Atlantic shoreline taking into account the impact on affected localities, the armed forces of the United States of America, and the mid-Atlantic regional spaceport.
B. The policy of the Commonwealth shall further support the inclusion of the Atlantic Planning Areas in the Minerals Management Service’s draft environmental impact statement with respect to oil and natural gas exploration, production, and development 50 miles or more off the Atlantic shoreline.
C. It shall be the policy of the Commonwealth to support federal efforts to examine the feasibility of offshore wind energy being utilized in an environmentally responsible fashion.
History
2006, c. 939; 2010, cc. 607, 756.
