Press Releases

Congressman Fry (SC-07) Urges Administration to Uphold Offshore Drilling Ban off South Carolina’s Coast

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) sent a letter to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum urging the Department of the Interior to maintain the moratorium on offshore oil and gas leasing off the South Carolina coast.

During President Trump’s first term, he issued a memorandum on offshore drilling off the coast of South Carolina exempting it from offshore oil and gas projects, a move that protected the state’s coastline and the industries that depend on it.

In his letter, Congressman Fry expressed his support for American energy dominance and President Trump’s energy agenda while also emphasizing the need for energy policies that reflect the unique economic and environmental character of individual regions. South Carolina’s coastline is a vital part of the state’s economy, and tourism and maritime industries serve as major economic drivers—especially in Horry and Georgetown Counties.

“There is no question that America must unleash its domestic energy potential and cut red tape, and President Trump has my full support for his energy dominance agenda,” said Congressman Fry. “At the same time, energy development must also be smart, balanced, and regionally appropriate. In many of our coastal communities in South Carolina, there is broad bipartisan opposition to offshore drilling. I urge Secretary Burgum to maintain the current exemption on offshore leasing off of South Carolina’s coast and ensure that our coastline continues to thrive for generations to come.”

Read the full letter here. 

Congressman Fry serves on both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. To stay up to date with Congressman Fry and his work for the Seventh District, follow his official Facebook, Instagram, and X pages and visit his website at fry.house.gov.