TO THE HONORABLE DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, AND TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AND TO THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES, IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED, AND THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR:

We, your Memorialists, the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Washington, in legislative session assembled, respectfully represent and petition as follows:

WHEREAS, The proposed federal National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2019-2024 seeks to expand oil and gas exploration, production, and drilling in the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and Gulf of Mexico; and

WHEREAS, Florida's coasts were previously removed from the proposed program, a decision based on potential threats that offshore drilling would impose on coastal tourism and rural economies; and

WHEREAS, Similar to Florida, Washington State is heavily reliant on tourism, the maritime sector, and fisheries, which are particularly critical in coastal and rural communities; and

WHEREAS, Washington State has been previously impacted by spills such as the 1988 Nestucca oil barge accident near Grays Harbor, which resulted in 225,000 gallons of oil polluting 110 miles on Washington's coastline. Additionally, the probability of these spills occurring only increases if Washington coastlines are opened to offshore drilling under the proposed plan;

NOW, THEREFORE, Your Memorialists respectfully pray that Washington State, and all other coastal states, have the opportunity to opt out of the proposed National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2019-2024 in order to avoid these grave threats to the state's coastal ecosystem and economy.

BE IT RESOLVED, That copies of this Memorial be immediately transmitted to the Honorable Donald J. Trump, President of the United States, the Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and each member of Congress from the State of Washington.

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