WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States House of Representatives is scheduled this week to vote on a compromise energy bill. It allows all coastal states to opt-in to offshore drilling starting from 50 to 100 miles offshore. Anything 100 to 200 miles offshore is open to exploration. It also allows interior states to develop oil shale fields.

Congresswoman Nancy Boyda (Kansas Second District) issued the following statement on the Comprehensive American Energy Security & Consumer Protection Act:

“This compromise has concessions from both sides. Many states and their legislators have prohibited offshore drilling because of the tremendous threat to their economic livelihood. Tourism and fishing in many of these states are the largest economic drivers. They are deeply concerned that given the chance to drill three miles off shore, the powerful oil companies would not hesitate.

“States in the interior would also be able to opt in to developing oil shale production. The main concern here is the use of precious, scarce water, which is needed to produce oil from sediment. They also have compromised.
“The bill also calls for the oil companies to pay for leases on federal lands. Long standing supporters of the oil companies have rejected legislation requiring the oil companies to pay leasing fees estimated to be almost $14 billion.

“Governing requires compromise. It always has. You’re either part of the solution or part of the problem. If you can’t compromise, you’re a big part of the problem.

“Big Oil has virtually written our country’s energy policy for decades and it must stop. A vote against this bill is a strong statement that you support Big Oil over the American people.”