Posted on 07/13/2006 2:35:21 PM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
WASHINGTON -- Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and other senators yesterday announced an agreement on legislation to open more federal waters to oil and natural-gas exploration.
With lawmakers under pressure to help ease fuel prices, the agreement was presented as a breakthrough on stalled energy legislation. It would allow drilling in an area of the eastern Gulf of Mexico that is rich in natural gas, and open the way for coastal states to share in royalty revenue that otherwise would go to the federal government.
Addressing Florida lawmakers' concerns, the agreement includes a ban on energy development within 125 miles of Florida's coastline through 2022 and protections for an area near Florida used by the Defense Department. Sen. Bill Nelson (D., Fla.) said he would be willing to support the measure if certain conditions are met, but held out the possibility of a filibuster. Mr. Nelson said he hasn't seen the proposal and expressed concern that the Senate bill could be changed drastically when House and Senate lawmakers work out a compromise measure.
The House last month passed a broader bill that would lift a ban prohibiting drilling in most federal waters; the Senate agreement would open the unleased portions of an area called Lease Sale 181 as well as areas south of there to oil and gas drilling.
Florida lawmakers, concerned that offshore drilling could hurt the environment and tourism, oppose drilling close to the state's shores and fought for guarantees that the coastline would be protected.
Supporters want the Senate to pass the bill by the end of July, before Congress starts a month-long recess. "If there is general consensus on the bill, we will take it to the floor sometime this month," said Sen. Frist, (R., Tenn.).
(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...
"federal waters"
You mean they finally opened the peoples water for the use of the people?
Mighty nice of those ego's in DC.
I am glad my ancestors are gone so they don't have to see this stuff.
I show crude oil prices at 76.00.
Somebody better do something or you will see my Pop-up being pulled by sled dogs.
The horse is also a viable alternative, I suppose.
>>The horse is also a viable alternative, I suppose<<
Good thought but we can't have horses in my suburb.
And my daughter would just be so geeked if I brought her a dozen Husky puppies!
A tiny baby step. Although I live at the beach, I support offshore drilling with a 25 mile exclusion zone if possible. If not, no exclusion zone. I'd rather see more platforms than sit in the dark.
Yep, the attitude of the liberals is that everything belongs to the government. I remember when I was a little boy and asked my mother about "government money", she told me there was no such thing as government money, the only money that exists is the people's money, this holds true for properties also. There is the people's property and private property, there is no such thing as government property, including waters.
Nice of them.
What are they going to do when Cuba and China start drilling within 45 miles of Fla.?
"Addressing Florida lawmakers' concerns, the agreement includes a ban on energy development within 125 miles of Florida's coastline through 2022....."
WTF? Don't worry the Chinese will be closer than that.
Whenever you hear or read the word "breakthrough" in relation to legislation, prepare to bend over.
How can do this? They need to be encouraging people to drive more electric cars.
(/sarcasm)
Senator Nelson may filibuster. That member of the Senate's Horsesass Quorum is the perfect example of everything that is wrong in the US Senate.
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