268 



I have appointed Austin N. Heller, Secretary for the Department of Natural 

 Resources and Environmental Control as a representative to the Department of 

 the Interior in matters concerning offshore oil drilling in the Atlantic. Thereby, 

 I shall be kept apprised of any study to be undertaken and any decision to be 

 reached with respect to offshore oil drilling in the Atlantic. 



We in Delaware, have taken a special precaution to protect our coastal zone. 

 Earlier this year we passed a landmark piece of legislation, H.R. 300. 1 am attach- 

 ing a copy for your information. Prior to the passage of this act, I had convened 

 a task force on marine and coastal affairs headed by Dr. James M. Wakelin, Jr., a 

 renowned oceanographer. A preliminary report dealing with the coastal zone and 

 its management has been completed. I have also attached a copy of that rei)ort for 

 your guidance. We expect to issue sometime in 1972, a more detailed report from 

 that study group. I shall be pleased to forward a copy of that report to you. 



We have taken another step in our State to protect the offshore that lies within 

 our jurisdiction. In 1972, we passed a regulation dealing with oil and mineral 

 exploration. I believe you will find this comprehensive document of interest to 

 you. I have also attached a copy of this regulation for you. 



I share your concern for adequate environmental studies before a permit is 

 issued for offshore oil drilling in the Atlantic. I am convinced that such studies 

 will, in fact, be carried out. We shall keep an ever mindful eye on this very im- 

 portant issue. 



Sincerely, 



Russell W. Peterson, Governor. 



State of New Jersey, 

 Department of Environmental Protection, 



Trenton, N.J., December 28, J971. 

 Hon. Edward M. Kennedy, 

 U.S. Senator, U.S. Senate, 

 Washington, B.C. 



Dear Senator Kennedy : Governor Cahill has noted and referred to our atten- 

 tion your letter of November 22 concerning the tentative plans of the Depart- 

 ment of Interior to permit off-shore oil drilling along the Atlantic Seaboard. 



For many years the State Geologist has been advising oil companies and others 

 interested in exploring for oil as to State regulations, probable areas for explora- 

 tion and general geological conditions. The evidence so far accumulated strongly 

 suggests that oil will not be found within the territorial three mile limit of 

 New Jersey. 



Some states are claiming .iurisdiction beyond the three mile limit and New Jer- 

 sey is in agreement with other maritime states that if any state is granted off- 

 shore jui-isdiction beyond the three mile limit New Jersey wishes to be given equal 

 rights. 



Comparison of conditions off the New Jersey coast within or beyond the three 

 mile limit to conditions resulting in the Santa Barbara oil spill are based on a lack 

 of knowledge concerning the off-shore geology. Off the New Jersey coast, faults 

 and related geologic structure found off the California coast do not occur. A far 

 greater danger to New Jersey beaches are oil spills from the super tankers. The 

 volume of oil from a single tanker accident will considerably exceed any poten- 

 tial spill from an off-shore drilling platform. 



New Jersey has statutory powers to control or even prohibit off-shore drilling 

 sufficient to protect our beaches. In particular, we also have authority to force a 

 clean up of an oil spill whether from a tanker or off-shore drilling. 



At the present time we feel that it would be premature to take a position on oflS- 

 shore drilling until we have had adequate time to conduct our own investigations 

 and evaluated the many governmental and independent studies that I am sure will 

 be undertaken before the granting of oil leases is permitted by the Secretary of 

 Interior. This Department would favor as much investigation by any agency to 

 factually ftnd unemotionally determine the environmental risks entailed by off- 

 shore drilling. 



Very truly yours, 



Charles M. Pike, Director. 



