Update: While searching Thomas for what Congress did yesterday, I ran across this gem
H.R.7051 : To prohibit issuance of any lease or other authorization by the Federal Government that authorizes exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas in any marine national monument or national marine sanctuary or in the fishing grounds known as Georges Bank in the waters of the United States. Sponsor: Rep Markey, Edward J. [MA-7] (introduced 9/24/2008) Status: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
It’s not the first time he has done something like this (H.R. 5588), but, it shows some little stealth actions to make sure there is no drilling.
Yet another example of how much the Democrats really care about the prices American’s pay at the pump
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) told CNSNews.com on Wednesday that restoring the ban on new offshore oil drilling leases “will be a top priority for discussion next year†if the Democrats retain control of Congress.
“I am sure it will be a top priority for discussion next year,†Hoyer said when CNSNews.com asked him if Democrats would fight to restore the ban.
Hey, $5 gas that is increasingly hard to find is no big deal to elected Democrats. I wonder how the average Democrat voter looks at this, as they attempt to even find gas at high prices.
If the ban does expire on Tuesday, as expected, most U.S. waters 3 miles or more off the beach will be legally eligible for federal offshore oil drilling leases.
Officials from the U.S. Interior Department, which oversees federal offshore leases, told CNSNews.com on Monday that even without the ban other existing laws and regulations mean it will take at least 5 years before new leases are actually issued.
Doesn’t nationalized healthcare sound wonderful in light of that time frame? Government at its finest.
Afternoon update: Via Dave at Ace of Spades, Michelle has a story up about Dingy Harry trying to insert an extension of the oil shale ban into an appropriations bill.
