Harrison County Tourism Commission Opposes Close-In Offshore Drilling

MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST – The Harrison County Tourism Commission, which oversees the Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, has adopted a resolution opposing offshore exploration, drilling and development of oil, gas, minerals, and other hydrocarbons adjacent to the Gulf Islands National Seashore, including any areas between the islands and the coastline.

In the resolution, the Commission states that the “construction, placement and operation of any structures or improvements related to exploration, drilling, and development for oil, gas, minerals, or other hydrocarbons” within a twelve (12) mile radius of any part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore or Cat Island would be detrimental to the Coast’s tourism industry.

“We feel that the drilling and oil issues raised recently deserve our attention,” said Steve Richer, executive director of the Mississippi Gulf Coast CVB. “The presence of oil exploration and development in the waters surrounding the Gulf Islands National Seashore would impact the Coast in many ways which could negatively effect both the hospitality industry and the local quality of life. Our beautiful Gulf waters are not only important for tourism; they are a precious commodity to both our people and wildlife.”

By proclaiming this resolution, the Tourism Commission joins many local business leaders, organizations, individuals, and the Twelve Mile Coalition, who are speaking out for the now-protected islands and their surrounding waters.

Public interest regarding the drilling issue has grown recently, spurring extensive media coverage as far away as The Los Angeles Times and The Guardian, a daily newspaper in the United Kingdom.

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