Democrats to let offshore drilling ban expire

[Angel Heart]

Democrats to let offshore drilling ban expire By ANDREW TAYLOR, Associated Press Writer
Tue Sep 23, 7:59 PM ET



WASHINGTON - Democrats have decided to allow a quarter-century ban on drilling for oil off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts to expire next week, conceding defeat in a months-long battle with the White House and Republicans set off by $4 a gallon gasoline prices this summer.

House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey, D-Wis., told reporters Tuesday that a provision continuing the moratorium will be dropped this year from a stopgap spending bill to keep the government running after Congress recesses for the election.

Republicans have made lifting the ban a key campaign issue after gasoline prices spiked this summer and public opinion turned in favor of more drilling. President Bush lifted an executive ban on offshore drilling in July.

"If true, this capitulation by Democrats following months of Republican pressure is a big victory for Americans struggling with record gasoline prices," said House GOP leader John Boehner of Ohio.

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[Luissa]

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WOW! They did something the American people wanted! Lets analize it to death!

 

[Jeepers]

They had no choice.. Bush was set to veto the energy bill..

The expiration does nothing since nothing can be done till fiscal year 09.. before anyone can do anyting the 111th congress will have a new and better proposal... I suggest in the meantime that everyone write charlie christ telling him to let loose with west coast drilling.... NIMBY aint gonna cut it when americans what cheap gass.... ask charlie why he hates americans..

 

[Mad Scientist]

WOW! They did something the American people wanted! Lets analize it to death!

Ouch! Maybe we could just analyze it instead?