Hoyer urges White House summit with East Coast governors, local officials on oil spill

Hoyer urges White House summit on oil spill

WASHINGTON — House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer is urging the White House to hold a summit with East Coast governors and local officials to ensure they are prepared if oil from the Gulf spill makes its way up the Atlantic coastline.

Hoyer, a Maryland Democrat, made the request in a letter to President Barack Obama on Wednesday.

Computer models show that the oil could enter the Gulf’s loop current, go around the tip of Florida and up the coast.

Hoyer said that the officials are concerned about the impact of oil “within the fragile, ecologically rich and economically important resources they represent.” He said that Americans want the government to plan ahead.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.