ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The New York state Assembly has voted to ban offshore drilling off the state's coast.
The Democrat-controlled chamber passed the measure on Monday. It's expected to pass the Senate in coming days, and is supported by Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
The legislation would specifically bar the state from granting permits for drilling or oil or gas exploration in offshore areas controlled by the state. While the state can't control areas overseen by the federal government, supporters say a state ban would make it much harder for any drilling to occur close to coastal New York.
The action comes after the administration of Republican President Donald Trump proposed to open more offshore areas to drilling.
