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Inland Bays need Delaware’s delegation

January 26, 2018

There's plenty of concern about the Trump administration's push to open the continental shelf for oil drilling. Any coastal state with significant tourism based on its beaches would be irresponsible if it didn't take a position against the move.

This nation has already become a net exporter of petroleum products, and our natural gas industry is producing so much that it has to burn off excess gas for which it has no storage space.

Why chance fouling our beaches when the energy need doesn't exist?

Delaware's federal delegation has done a good job putting up steady resistance, and we applaud them for it. But that's an easy position for them.

We would like to see them dig in harder and use their political clout to protect our environment and tourism economy by addressing a more local and immediate problem.

Our Inland Bays are screaming for help. High and persistent levels of bacteria and other pollutants have prompted signs posted at public access points around the bays.

Those signs warn people that direct exposure to water in the bays could lead to illness.

These signs are disturbing and embarrassing. Our Inland Bays are gems not only for Sussex County, but also for the entire state of Delaware.

To allow them to be fouled to the point of having to post warning signs is poor stewardship that none should tolerate.

Yes, the purview of our U.S. senators and congresswoman is the federal level, but they have influence up and down the state, and loud voices. They should be in the ears of our governor and legislators to get this problem solved.

It can't help their cause at the federal level - railing against potential environmental problems from a policy shift - when their home state can't even muster the political will to address a serious and ongoing environmental problem.

Leadership is needed at all levels in Delaware to clean all of our waters so we can swim in them without getting sick.

 

 

  • Editorials are considered and written by Cape Gazette Editorial Board members, including Publisher Chris Rausch, Editor Jen Ellingsworth, News Editor Nick Roth and reporters Ron MacArthur and Chris Flood. 

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