AUGUSTA, Maine - Republican Gov. Paul LePage has joined a coalition of state leaders that wants the federal government to allow more offshore energy development.
LePage joins the chief executives of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia in the Outer Continental Shelf Governors Coalition.
The group, which was formed in 2011, is led by North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory and meets at least once a year.
The coalition wants federal officials to expand opportunities in coastal waters for more oil, gas and renewable energy exploration and production.
LePage said in a statement that safe and responsible offshore energy development will create jobs while boosting the economy and the nation's energy security.