Presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren pledges offshore drilling ban if elected

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - Sen. Elizabeth Warren told a group in Charleston Monday she will ban offshore drilling if she is elected president in 2020.

Warren appeared at a Coastal Community Forum in West Ashley at The Schoolhouse on Magnolia Road.

Warren has served as a Senator of the Massachusetts since 2013 and is a democratic presidential candidate.

Warren’s main message was focused on environmental issues and a push for environmental justice.

There were Lowcountry leaders and stakeholders on the panel who talked about their concerns with offshore drilling and the negative impact it will have to coastal communities that thrive on industries supported by the ocean as well as potential impacts to marine life.

Warren also talked about the need to address climate change. She says “it’s real, it’s man-made and we are running out of time.”

She says if she becomes president shes will commit to get 10 percent of energy from renewables on public land.

“One of the most important things I’ve learned in South Carolina is how strong the ties of community are and how people have very definite views on what needs to be done here," Warren said. "They don’t need someone to come in from the federal government to tell them what to do, they need someone to be a good partner in helping them get it and that’s the kind of president I want to be.”

During the discussion the Mayor of Awendaw, Miriam Green, who also served as a panelist announced that she endorses Warren.

Warren will also have a Beaufort Organizing event at 7 p.m. on Monday at Whale Branch Middle School at 2009 Trask Parkway in Seabrook.

The visit was part of a three-state tour that also includes stops in Colorado and Utah.

Warren officially launched her presidential campaign in February.

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