House Panel Approves Measure Placing Drilling Rigs Just Miles From Beaches

Rep. Peterson’s Bill Lifts 26-Year-Old Bipartisan Ban on Coastal Drilling; Sets Stage for Full House Showdown Next Week

(5/10/2006) - Washington, DC – Today’s vote in the House Appropriations Committee to lift the longstanding moratorium on natural gas drilling on the outer continental shelf (OCS) puts our coasts at greater risk than they have faced in more than a quarter of a century, according to Defenders of Wildlife.

“The 26 -year bipartisan offshore drilling ban is wildly popular with the American public, and we fully expect Members to reject this proposal when it comes to a vote on the House floor,” stated Rodger Schlickeisen, president of Defenders of Wildlife. “Americans expect clean beaches, healthy marine wildlife populations and pristine ocean waters when they visit the coasts, and drilling rigs just don’t fit into the picture.”

H.R. 4318 sponsored by Rep. Peterson (R-PA) passed out of committee with a vote of 37-25. The amendment was offered during a full committee markup of the Interior spending bill. Peterson’s provision lifts the congressional ban and allows rigs as close as three miles from the shore to 200 miles out. This distance is the entire area of the outer continental shelf. 

“This provision seriously jeopardizes the health of marine wildlife and the future recreational and commercial fishing industries,” declared Schlickeisen. “It won’t do anything to lower today’s energy prices or make us energy independent. It is just another giveaway to the oil industry. Oil companies already have access to over 80 percent of the natural gas resources in our oceans. Enough is enough. Today’s energy situation calls for new solutions, not more of the same.”

In a letter Defenders sent to Capitol Hill opposing the amendment, the organization pointed out that “Lifting the offshore drilling moratorium would expose every coast in the United States to the routine pollution and hazards associated with natural gas production. Natural gas condensate spills are highly toxic and the routine dumping of drilling wastes associated with gas drilling operations presents a well-documented threat to our fisheries, marine wildlife and our public health.” 

“We can’t drill our way to energy independence. Congress should focus on efficiency and renewables to reduce energy costs, not open up our precious ocean waters to oil drills and rigs,” concluded Schlickeisen. 

Learn More:

• Defenders of Wildlife Natural Gas Fact Sheet
• Defenders'  Wildlife Impact Lease 181 Fact Sheet

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Defenders of Wildlife is recognized as one of the nation's most progressive advocates for wildlife and its habitat. With more than 490,000 members and supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is an effective leader on endangered species issues.

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Contact(s):

William Lutz, (202) 772-0269
Deborah Bagocius, (202) 772-0239