Posted on 09/11/2008 2:23:12 PM PDT by cups
WASHINGTON — Democratic lawmakers in the House unveiled legislation on Wednesday that, if passed, would significantly expand domestic oil production by permitting offshore drilling at least 50 miles from U.S. coasts.
The package would give states the option of allowing drilling between 50 and 100 miles off their shores. Areas farther than 100 miles from the coast would be completely open oil exploration.
After vigorously opposing calls from Republicans to lift the moratorium on offshore drilling, Democratic leaders recently softened their position and agreed to allow votes on drilling as a part of larger energy bills.
Under the Democratic bill, national marine sanctuaries and monuments would remain off limits and the U.S. Defense Department would still be able to designate national defense areas off the coasts. Any oil exploration would have to protect the coastal environment.
(Excerpt) Read more at newsmax.com ...
lEAVE THE Strategic Petroleum Reserve ALONE!!! It’s not a d*mn rainy day fund!!!!
This is such a farce, nothing but political hackery...
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