Washington, DC, June 21, 2006 – It would be a refreshing start to summer if Congress would quit wasting energy on pleasing oil and gas companies.
There is no justification for members of Congress representing coastal states in putting their state's environment and tourism economies at grave risk by clearing the way for offshore drilling.
As a result, a lot of energy in Congress may be wasted on this proposal next week in what is being termed "Energy Week" by the leadership.
The House Resources Committee today passed legislation intended to expand offshore oil and natural gas drilling. The bill is now set for a vote in what will likely be billed as Energy Week by the House leadership next week. Offshore drilling is likely to be the centerpiece of the House effort.
The bill has been strongly criticized by conservationists because it preempts state jurisdiction over ocean pipelines in state waters; pits one state against adjoining states in drilling decisions; allows oil and gas drilling to start just 100 miles from shore with no option to object; forces states to actively oppose drilling 50-100 miles from shore every five years; allows states to petition for offshore drilling within 50 miles of the coast, meaning that drilling could happen just a few miles from the beach; and provides a financial incentive for states that allow drilling activity off their coasts that could cost the federal treasury billions.
The Bush administration currently opposes revenue-sharing with states.
