Healthy Oceans In the News

The Oregon House voted 38 to 21 Monday to ban off-shore oil and gas drilling in Oregon's territorial waters for 10 years.

The vote came after a three-year drilling moratorium expired Jan. 2. No oil companies are expected to make a bid anytime soon to begin drilling, but supporters of the ban said it is important to make sure that Oregon's fisheries and coastal tourist industries remain protected from spills and other problems associated with drilling.

The measure, House Bill 3613, now moves to the Senate. --Michelle Cole