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Long Branch, N.J. –This morning, United States Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ), Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) announced their strong opposition to legislation recently passed by the House of Representatives that would allow oil drilling off New Jersey’s shore.
Both Lautenberg and Menendez vowed to filibuster any legislation in the Senate that would open up New Jersey waters to offshore oil drilling. Congressman Pallone led the fight in the Republican controlled House during debate two weeks ago when the legislation passed on a largely party line vote.
“The Jersey Shore has been known for our boardwalks, rolling surf and ocean breezes. But now some are talking about adding oil rigs to that list. We say no way,” said Senator Lautenberg. “Bob Menendez and I will fight to stop it in the Senate.”
"This dangerous legislation tips the scales in favor of drillers over states like New Jersey that have a firm and consistent position of opposing offshore drilling," Pallone said. "It's time the Bush administration and Congressional Republicans realize that we can't drill our way to energy independence."
“Regardless of the Republican rhetoric, New Jerseyans do not want drilling off their shore line and we will not stand for it,” Menendez said. “Our shore is far too precious and important to allow oil-crazed speculators to set-up shop along our coast.”
The House bill would open up large areas of the coasts to oil and gas drilling and would lift all leasing bans beyond 100 miles from state shores. Between 50 and 100 miles, leasing would be allowed unless states seek to block it. And, states wanting to keep drilling 100 miles off their own shores would have to pass legislation every five years. Studies show that all the oil off New Jersey’s shore would produce only 10 days of fuel for the entire United States.
In addition, the House bill provides for multiple waivers of environmental review requirements that would allow drilling for oil and gas in National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries located off the coasts.
Senators Lautenberg and Menendez have placed holds on the House bill, and have pledged to do the same to any other offshore drilling bill or amendment that opens New Jersey’s coast to drilling - forcing the Republicans to garner at least 60 votes in the Senate in order to pass any legislation. |
