Senator Warner said today that he believes it was appropriate for the President to delay any new offshore oil projects until safeguards are in place to prevent rig explosions like the one that caused the Gulf spill.

Spokesman Kevin Hall said today:

“Even before today’s White House announcement, it is important to remember that any energy production off of Virginia’s coast is at least seven-to-ten years off. That timeframe gives citizens an opportunity to monitor and participate in multiple federal and state environmental reviews, and it also will provide an opportunity toapply what we learn from the Gulf tragedy as we move forward.”

On Friday, President Obama ordered a freeze on new offshore drilling leases until a review of the oil rig accident could be completed and new safeguards put in place.