Posted on 06/11/2008 4:49:51 PM PDT by neverdem
Fox News reports that Rep. John Peterson (R-PA) has introduced an amendment to s spending bill that would free up offshore drilling more than 50 miles off our coast, enabling American companies to drill in waters already being exploited by the Chinese, among others.
"For 27 years, Congress has deliberately locked up vast offshore oil and natural gas reserves," Peterson said, according to USA Today. "With the price at the pump increasing daily - with no end in sight - and the cost of natural gas trading at record levels, Congress needs to unlock these reserves."
Most oil production and exploration has been banned since 1981.
According to Peterson's office, the U.S. Minerals Management Service estimates that 86 billion barrels of oil and 420 trillion cubic feet of natural gas can be found along the U.S. outer continental shelf, the area affected by the ban.
Peterson is not alone in his desire to open up the shelf. An effort to unlock the resources has been underway in Congress in recent years, and several interest groups are backing the effort, too.
"Tapping America's huge reserve of deep ocean energy helps us fight terrorism and increases our domestic energy supply, which will help put downward pressure on gasoline prices," Greg Schnacke, President of Americans for American Energy, said in a news release, adding: "With Americans suffering at the gas pump and with higher energy bills, it's a no-brainer that the OCS should be developed."
Drill,drill,drill...
Really? We hadn't thought of that.
Sarcasm, lovely.
Crisis Point : Where we are. Where we need to be.
Voters Say ‘Drill’ - Neither candidate gets it.
DRILL HERE! DRILL NOW! (Independence Day Protest - VANITY)
http://www.keeprushontheair.com/FCCNPRM208_localism.htm
Jeremy.Kissel@fcc.gov. I'm using that Email addy. Correct me if I'm wrong. Use MB Docket No. 04-233 to identify it.
Congress, last I heard, had an "approval rating" in the teens.
I predict, nonetheless, that more than 95% of those who run for reelection will be reelected.
ABOUT DARNED TIME!!!
Why limit them to 50 miles? How about 25 miles?
bfl
I have no idea. Maybe they're afraid of a spill? Maybe it's the height of platforms to be obscured by the horizon. Somewhere I read 25 miles is the limit for being obscured by the horizon because of the earth's curvature, but the height of a vessel or structure has to come into play. Maybe that was before supertankers?
This really disgusts me. Were like one the only countries that doesnt fully exploit its own natural resources. All the dems have done on bills like this for the past 3 decades is obstruct, obstruct, obstruct. Now that were in crisis, their response is “Drilling in these areas wont solve the immediate problem.” HELLO?? If you had passed the legislation years ago when it was first introduced, we wouldnt have a problem now!!!
Off the coast of LA the limit is down to a few hundred yards...they just make the rigs ‘look pretty’!!! if it’s good enough for California it’s good enough for florida! We’re talking GAS here folks...when was the last time you heard of a ‘gas spill’!!!
Rep. John Peterson (R-PA) was also on CNBC (Cramer’s Mad Money) and did a great job of explaining what was coming up in Congress next week....looks like they’ll get 3 tries to pass reasonable ‘bipartisan’ legislation. tho’ my guess is the air will be full of partisan ‘F##k the oil companies’ talk! Hard to believe the Dems continue to screw their constituency regularly then get their annual ‘vote pass’ to stay in office!
Thanks for the ping.
Thanks for the ping!
Charlie Rangel told Neal Cavuto last week they don’t care their approval rating is in the cellar or what any of us think. Couldn’t believe my ears.
Apparently at 50 miles, you can’t see the oil rigs on the horizon. It’s important if you’re drilling where there are beaches that are tourist attractions. It’s OK to pacify those interests to make it more likely to pass.
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