US Senate candidate Nardolillo on Whitehouse’s Conflicting Positions

Press Information – For Immediate Release
For More Contact Date: 9 FEB 18
Mark Zaccaria
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Whitehouse Contradicts Own Position

Providence: State Rep Bobby Nardolillo, himself a candidate for the US Senate, reacted today to an announcement from the incumbent regarding Off Shore Drilling. On Monday, February 12th, Sen. Whitehouse will appear on the Bay Campus of URI to pledge his effort to prevent any off shore oil exploration in New England waters. Mr. Whitehouse will be joined at this announcement by Christopher Brown, President of the national commercial fishing organization, Seafood Harvesters of America. The plan appears to be that the Senator will cite potential degradation of fishing grounds as the driver for preventing oil exploration. “I was surprised to read the notice of this rally.” Rep. Nardolillo said. “Especially in view of our Junior Senator’s full throated support for the Deepwater Wind project, off Block Island.”

The initial phase of the Deepwater Wind project has erected five windmills in RI State Waters just off Block Island. “That build-out has eliminated those fishing grounds from any commercial harvesting.” Nardolillo pointed out. “Worse yet, the second phase will put even more infrastructure out into Federal Waters.” The State Rep noted that beyond the obstacles to ground fishing presented by the towering windmills, the transmission lines from the Deepwater windfarm to the grid on Long Island will result in many sea floor obstacles that will also foul the nets of the Point Judith fishing fleet. “What the Deepwater Wind project has done, effectively, is to eliminate any commercial ground fishing between Block Island and Orient Point.” He asserted. “That’s prime fishing grounds located within an easy sail of Narragansett, all of which have been taken off the table. And all with Mr. Whitehouse’s blessing.”

“The Senator seems to have no problem backing conflicting positions at the same time.” Nardolillo concluded. It is arguable that oil exploration in New England waters is a decade or more away. Also, the permitting process will provide sufficient opportunity for the needs of the commercial fishing fleet to be recognized and protected when it does begin. “Do you think the Monday announcement is an election year ploy to satisfy a large donor?” Bobby asked.

Bobby Nardolillo is a working Rhode Islander, born and bred, who is taking time out to run for the US Senate because of his conviction that government at all levels has failed its taxpaying constituents. He intends to build on his two terms in the General Assembly to bring both legislative experience and new blood to Washington, DC. Follow his campaign on the web at www.bobby4senate.com, or on Facebook at ‘Bobby 4 Senate 2018.’