In rare break from Trump, Rep. Andy Harris opposes Maryland offshore drilling

Andy Harris, the Eastern Shore of Maryland's congressional representative, has repeatedly stood by the Trump administration's policies during the president's first year in office.

Overhauling the federal tax code, not recertifying the Iran nuclear deal, dismantling Obamacare — Harris has vocally supported those and other presidential priorities.

But a rare gulf between the two politicians developed recently over an initiative that has long drawn strong opposition from coastal Maryland jurisdictions: expanding offshore drilling.

Last month, the Trump administration proposed opening virtually all U.S. coastal waters to oil companies. The five-year plan calls for selling leases in the Mid-Atlantic beginning in 2020.

Initially, Harris said he favored drilling off the Free State's coast as long as it is done in an "environmentally safe manner" and the rigs aren't visible from the shore. 

At a town hall conducted by telephone recently, though, the 1st District Republican said he opposes drilling off Maryland because of its local opposition. The town of Ocean City formally registered its objection to drilling in 2015.

"I support the concept of offshore drilling but oppose it where the local jurisdictions oppose it. In my areas, they oppose it. I’m opposed to it at this time off the shore of Maryland," Harris said.

More:Ocean City mayor joins bipartisan opposition to offshore drilling in Maryland

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Other coastal Republicans have also come out against the drilling proposal, including Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and Harris' Eastern Shore of Virginia counterpart, Rep. Scott Taylor.

One of the Shore's largest environmental groups, the Assateague Coastal Trust, applauded Harris' shift.

“The concerns of Maryland’s First District were heard clearly," Executive Director Kathy Phillips said, "and I’m certain his constituents are appreciative that their support for clean beaches, clean water and a healthy coastal economy is also shared by Representative Harris and will be reflected in future votes by their elected Congressman.” 

Harris also broke from Trump last year on another environmental matter. He was instrumental in securing $60 million in the House budget bill for the Chesapeake Bay cleanup program after the president's budget recommended no funding.

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