Analysis: Democrats absorb a defeat on drilling

http://news.google.com ^ | Wed Sep 24, 5:54 PM ET | JOSEF HEBERT

[Maelstorm]

For Democratic leaders, it's a striking defeat as they agree to allow expanded offshore drilling in waters they once called sacrosanct, giving Republicans a rare victory on energy policy six weeks before the election.

In a matter of months, Republicans turned offshore oil drilling from a non-issue — even one feared as a political liability by many Republicans in Congress — into political gold as anger over high gasoline prices made voters receptive to calls for more domestic energy production.

After vowing to protect a quarter-century ban on drilling off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, Democrats on Wednesday moved through the House a stopgap spending bill that allows the offshore drilling moratorium — approved each year by Congress for the last 26 years — to expire at the end of this month.

"It's a very big step forward," said House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio.

"Democrats have finally recognized the significance of this energy crisis," gloated Rep. Roy Blunt of Missouri, the No. 2 ranking Republican.

[thackney]

The whole AK Pipeline may be shut down without the new reserves coming on line.

The current fields in production will keep the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline operating for decades.

[Islander7]

Not so fast! Every leftists, econut in the country will sue at every turn to stop drilling and the Rats are OWNED by trial lawyers.

Now we need to push for a ‘moratorium’ on all law suits against drilling. Nothing else will make drilling and energy independence possible.

[Maelstorm]

Excellent idea!