INTRODUCTION 



Geological surveys indicate that favorable formations for 



oil and gas exist on the outer continental shelf off New England in 

 the Georges Bank area (Figure 1). Estimates of recoverable oil and 



gas for the region range from 0.9 (50% chance) to 2.4 (5% chance) bil- 

 lion barrels of oil and 4.2 (50% chance) to 12.5 (5% chance) trillion 

 cubic feet of gas. 1 Although the development of offshore oil and gas 

 could increase economic activity in certain areas of the region, New 

 Englanders are concerned about the adverse social and environmental 

 impacts such development could bring. 



New England is rich in coastal and marine resources. Its off- 

 shore areas, in particular Georges Bank, are prime fishing grounds. 

 The many estuaries throughout the region serve as nurseries for com- 

 mercially important fish and provide sheltered ports for recreational 

 boats and commercial ships. Its coast, characterized by sandy beaches, 

 marshes, rock outcrops and islands, is in great demand for use by residential, 

 recreational and industrial groups. The region's economy depends on 

 these resources and the industries which rely on them. 



This report reviews the effects of Georges Bank petroleum and gas 

 development on New England. Since there has been no production to 

 date of oil or gas off New England, the focus of the report is on the 

 projected impacts of OCS development and the concerns of interest 

 groups and public officials. The information presented is based on 

 state and regional studies, a systematic analysis of newspaper accounts, 

 testimony at hearings and interviews with state coastal zone planners. 



