‘Veep’ star presses administration on seismic testing

A star on the HBO series “Veep” is urging the Obama administration to reconsider using seismic air guns when exploring for oil and gas deposits in the Atlantic Ocean.

Reid Scott, who plays deputy communications director Dan Egan on the HBO show, will visit Capitol Hill on Thursday to voice his concern with seismic testing in the Atlantic.

{mosads}In February, the Interior Department took a crucial step toward allowing drilling in the Atlantic when it released an environmental impact review that detailed safeguards for contractors that conduct seismic surveys. The report did not authorize any seismic testing, but highlighted the potentially significant effects on whales, dolphins, and other marine life.

Scott will be joined by experts Thursday to discuss seismic air guns, and their impact on fisheries, local economies, and marine life, including the endangered North Atlantic right whale.

Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) will also attend the event hosted by the advocacy group Oceana.