Bipartisan group calls for more oil drilling

[sabra]

Source: The Hill

A bipartisan group of 10 senators unveiled a sweeping energy plan Friday that calls for some expansion of offshore drilling, a move that could break a major stalemate on Capitol Hill just weeks before the election.

After weeks of internal wrangling, the group, led by Sens. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) and Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), floated legislation that seeks a middle ground in the debate that has paralyzed nearly all Senate business over the past month, including a major defense policy bill Thursday night.

“I think we’ve changed the topic here in Washington, which has been to drill or not to drill,” said Sen. Ben Nelson (Neb.), a conservative Democrat and a member of the group.

...

Instead of allowing exploration all along the coastal United States, the bill would allow exploration in areas of the Gulf of Mexico and give Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia the option to lease land for drilling off their shores. Drilling would not be allowed within 50 miles of the coasts.

“This is substantial,” said Sen. Mary Landrieu (La.), a conservative Democrat who faces a tough reelection in the fall. “This is opening up 200 million new acres of potential development. Two hundred. Remember, the last bill we did, we were proud when we got 8 million.”

Read more: http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/bipartisan-group-calls-for-more-oil-drilling-2008-08-01.html

[TwilightGardener]

1. Oh, gee, there's Ben Nelson again, making sure to be part of

whatever "gang of (insert number here)" he can, so that Nebraska Republicans continue to approve of him. I'm so tired of this dickwad--I wish it were he who was retiring, instead of Hagel.

[davidinalameda]

2. I'm not in favor of off-shore drilling

50 miles off-shore sounds like a good compromise for now

I think including a reduction in the speed limit on federal highways would also be a good idea as well

[eleny]

3. Are they running for reelction in November?

[dmosh42]

6. I saw most of it on CSpan, and there was a lot more than drilling....

discussed and agreed.(5 Democrats, 5 Repukes) They said it would be a 'framework' to work on when they come back in September. It included many details important to the Dem side like getting behind more energy efficient vehicles, alternate sources of energy, and maybe a bill to have all vehicles running on 85% other than oil by 2030. At least I think I understood that. Mainly they emphasized they didn't have a bill, but many things they could compromise on, and Reid and (Prune-face) McConnell will set up a 'energy summit' to try to work out some legislation.

[nykym]

4. It should also include

provisions
1. for all oil extracted to be used by the US only - no foreign sales.
2. Failure to drill with a specified time results in loss of lease and it can be re-auctioned but the original lease holder is barred from bidding.
3. All proceed from leases to be used for alternative energy (not Nuclear).
4. Leases prior to OSD leases need to be utilized or given up.

Just a few thought to add.

[Arctic Dave]

7. I think those would be a great start. n/t

[Jefferson23]

5. Nelson the asshole would do this, no conscience whats so ever.

[Phred42]

8. Bi-Partisan? Are the "Dems" Blue Dog or DLC?

[iamthebandfanman]

9. party affiliation

has nothing to with being in Big Oils pockets....

just because they have a different letter by their name, doesnt mean they dont work for the same people.

bipartison my ass.

[DebbieCDC]

10. You got that right

D or R don't mean crap when the real label is $