U.S. Rep. Joe Cunningham, who represents the First Congressional District of S.C., released a statement Monday, July 8 in response to the S.C. Department of Health &amp; Environmental Control’s (DHEC) decision that concluded seismic testing permits from WesternGeco in federal waters off of South Carolina are not consistent with the policies of the S.C. Coastal Management Program.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

Cunningham had previously sent a <a href="https://cunningham.house.gov/sites/cunningham.house.gov/files/wysiwyg_uploaded/Cunningham%20Letter_WesternGeco__0.pdf">letter</a> to DHEC expressing his strong opposition to WesternGeco’s application.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

“WesternGeco’s proposed seismic airgun blasting activities would violate our coastal management program and policies, which are vital to protecting the Lowcountry’s vibrant natural resources,” Cunningham said in a statement. “DHEC’s decision that WesternGeco’s application for a seismic testing permit is inconsistent with the policies of these programs is a key decision in the fight against offshore drilling and seismic airgun blasting. A diverse group of voices made their opposition to the issuance of seismic testing permits known – including over 1700 individual public comments – and it’s obvious our state heard them loud and clear. I applaud DHEC for taking into account the views of South Carolinians and Lowcountry residents.”<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

“The state of South Carolina has ruled on our side, but we also need federal action. I urge Congress to pass my bill, H.R. 1941, which would permanently ban offshore drilling off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, as soon as possible.”