STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON DON BOESCH’S APPOINTMENT BY PRESIDENT OBAMA TO GULF COMMISSION

ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 15, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley issued this statement today following President Obama’s appointment of Donald Boesch, President of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, to the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling.

“I want to congratulate Don Boesch on this appointment. Don’s expertise and experience in environmental science and his unique perspective on the impact of offshore oil and gas development on coastal ecosystems will serve the President and this Commission well.

“The President’s confidence in Don for this important post demonstrates the vast expertise within the University System of Maryland on today's most pressing environmental challenges.”

In late May, Governor O’Malley wrote to Secretary Salazar requesting a ban on offshore oil drilling along the mid-Atlantic coast. Recently, Maryland became one of ten states to form an offshore wind consortium, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Interior.