We usually don’t cover the day-to-day operations of the House because, frankly, the Senate has plenty to talk about by itself and its the focus of this blog. With that being said, it’s probably necessary to mention the newly crafted House energy bill as it may be fast-tracked next week and sent to the Senate.
Reuters reports:
Democratic lawmakers in the House of Representatives 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 gives all U.S. states the option to allow drilling between 50 and 100 miles off their shores. Areas further 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 agreeing 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.
According to The Crypt, the bill will be on the House floor next week. Members of the House will be adjourning for the week this afternoon so those representing Texas can go back home and attend to preparations for Hurricane Ike, which is expected to reach the coast this weekend.
An online communications advisor for the Senate Republican Conference provided us an article which gives insight into why some Republican members may oppose the measure. According to the article, “states would not receive revenue-sharing from the drilling” under this bill. Republicans believe that to be a key component of any measure as it provides incentive for states to opt-in to offshore drilling.
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