The federal government moved to authorize the use of seismic airguns to find oil and gas formations on the East Coast. Jenna Miller, Salisbury Daily Times
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Bipartisanship is still possible, when the threat is clear, imminent and universal. 
East Coast states vary greatly in their political leanings, yet most of these states are united in opposition to offshore seismic testing. 
Seismic testing is a precursor to offshore drilling.
Just as coastal states, including Maryland, are opposed to seismic testing, they are also opposed to offshore drilling. 
Nov. 30, the National Marine Fisheries Services announced final authorizations to allow seismic testing in the Atlantic Ocean. Dec. 20, Maryland joined eight other states in announcing it would sue the federal government to prevent the testing for offshore oil exploration.
East Coast states also share waterfront property and its associated tourism. 
Marine life and water quality are major concerns with seismic testing.
The process essentially involves the blasting of pressurized air into the ocean, creating powerful sound waves that provide information about the sea floor. The sound waves echo back to the surface and are captured by audio monitors called hydrophones. The blasts are loud, often producing sounds at and above 140 decibels. These blasts happen every few seconds for days, weeks or months at a time. 
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has repeatedly expressed concern about the individual and cumulative impacts on marine species and habitats.
Like Ocean City, many coastal communities rely on tourism — but only as long as the beach, surf and fisheries are clean and healthy.
Drilling is a risky enterprise capable of destroying a coastline and poisoning its marine ecosystem for generations in the event of a catastrophic spill. 
Oil on water spreads with no regard for state lines. The impact on the Chesapeake Bay, oyster beds and more would be devastating and long-lasting. 
This risk to property, economy, tourism, jobs and environment explain why such disparately thinking groups have come together against seismic blasting, exploration and offshore drilling for oil. 
Drilling off Atlantic states will not make us less reliant on foreign oil. 
Will it lead to lower gas prices? More affordable fuel oil for furnaces? Will it provide long-term and high-paying jobs for local residents of these coastal communities?
Not likely. 
The blasting can be heard up and down the entire coast, and a spill, should one occur, would affect waters and beaches from Florida to Maine. 
This is how to unite left and right, red and blue, conservative and liberal, progressive and libertarian alike: Pose a threat that knows no boundaries, neither geographic, ideological, religious or political. 
Opposition to offshore exploration and drilling is something we should all be able to get behind, to protect our home as well as the future home of our descendants. 
Our View represents the opinion of the Editorial Board members Laura Benedict Sileo, news director, and Susan Parker, engagement and community content editor.

Other East Coast states on seismic testing

New Jersey: We can unite behind offshore drilling, editorial
Florida:State should join suit against seismic testing for oil off coast, editorial