Mason Opposes Federal Proposal to Expand Offshore Drilling in U.S. Waters

GURNEE, Ill. – State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, is working to protect the environment and the economy by voicing her opposition to the U.S. Department of Interior’s (DOI) proposal to expand offshore oil and gas drilling in approximately 1.27 billion acres of public U.S. waters.

“I may not live in or represent the areas affected by the DOI’s proposal, but this idea of expanded oil drilling would come at a great cost to the entire U.S., not just those represented by my fellow legislators. With the current cost of living and rising affordability crisis nationwide, we cannot risk the significant job loss and economic destruction an oil spill would cause,” said Mason.

Mason signed an opposition letter organized by the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators in response to the DOI’s proposed plan to expand offshore drilling leases to areas of California, Alaska, and the Gulf. All of these areas have experienced highly destructive oil spills in the past. Offshore oil spills often result in long-term impacts, including the loss of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars, the killing of wildlife, and the destruction of beaches and
wetlands.

Mason was one of 133 legislators from 32 states and territories, from both parties, to sign the letter.

“There are safer ways to meet our country’s energy needs that don’t involve putting our environment and our economy at great risk, not to mention the life-threatening risks for workers and long term impact on local residents and communities,” said Mason.

The letter was sent to the DOI last week and can be read in full here: https://www.ncelenviro.org/app/uploads/2026/01/11th-National-OCS-DPP-Letter-12226.pdf