Democrats to let offshore drilling ban expire
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.
It was dumb politics to oppose drilling in today's world. So apparently we are getting on the right side. It's unfortunate that we are doing it on defense and in a way that makes the Republicans look like leaders. It is important to always get and stay on offense. Plan out for the future, and be leaders.
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