Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley is against
drilling for oil off the state's coastline. However, his neighbor
to the south, Virginia Gov. Timothy Kaine says he supports looking
for oil and gas 50 miles off shore. Kaine says he would decide on
pumping if oil or gas is found.
Maryland's two senators, meanwhile, also say they are against
drilling.
Maryland Senator Ben Cardin says a spill from an offshore
platform or pipeline could mar Assateague Island and the beaches at
Ocean City, two popular tourist destinations.
President Bush recently lifted an executive ban on offshore oil
drilling. However, energy experts say drilling is unlikely to start
anytime soon.
Before drilling could begin, Congress would have to reopen
long-closed parts of the Atlantic floor and it's not clear if
energy companies would be interested in bidding for the rights.
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