Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act of 2006

DEEP OCEAN ENERGY RESOURCES ACT OF 2006

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong opposition to the Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act (H.R. 4761). The ``DOER'' Act is yet another lost opportunity to develop real solutions to our energy challenges and a reckless raid on the Federal Treasury that even the Bush Administration opposes.

The DOER Act will repeal a 25-year, bipartisan moratorium on oil and gas drilling off most of the U.S. coastline. In place of the moratorium, a weak system of protections will be established that allows individual states to sanction drilling within 100 miles of their shores. To entice states to permit drilling, the bill increases states' share of drilling royalties from the current ceiling of 27 percent to 64 percent.

Bush administration officials released a statement today strongly opposing the revenue-sharing provisions of the bill, which are expected to add several hundred billion dollars to the federal deficit over the next 60 years. The diversion of more drilling royalties to states is a transparent, irresponsible ploy that will cost the government billions. But Republican leaders are so unconcerned about runaway federal deficits they decided to waive the rules of the Congressional Budget Act that are supposed to protect taxpayers from deficit spending.

While the bill's proponents argue this revenue-sharing arrangement is a matter of states' rights, the language of H.R. 4761 actually gives the administration enormous new powers over states. The bill limits states' ability to block pipeline construction and to review oil drilling activities once drilling is allowed. H.R. 4761 also allows the Secretary of the Interior to threaten states with a loss of funding if Congress passes legislation restricting oil drilling in any way. And, by rolling back environmental reviews and mitigation responsibilities for oil companies, the bill imposes hidden costs on states and their tourism industries, which will be left with the tab for drilling-related mishaps.

The Republicans declared this week ``Energy Week'' in the House and then moved one bill, H.R. 4761 to the floor. This legislation, apparently the Republicans' solution to America's complex energy challenges, includes no new incentives for energy conservation, no increases in fuel efficiency, no new support for mass transit and no boost for home-grown renewable energy technologies such as biofuels or wind energy. This bill falls far short of the bold, comprehensive energy policy America so urgently needs. Only House Republican leaders could call a bill that balloons the federal deficit, undermines states' rights, rolls back environmental protections and fails to reduce demand for fossil fuels a ``commonsense compromise.'' It's time to hold a funeral for common sense.

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