New Jersey senators promise to block offshore drilling bill

Knoxville, Tennessee (Platts)--17Jul2006

New Jersey's two US senators are promising to filibuster any attempt to
pass a House-approved bill that would permit oil and natural gas drilling off
the state's coast.

Democrats Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez expressed their opposition
to H.R. 4761, which would permanently ban drilling within 50 miles of the US
coastline, but allow states to decide whether to permit drilling between 50
and 100 miles of shore. The House approved the bill in a 232-187 vote in late
June.

"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," Lautenberg said in a statement late last week. "Bob Menendez and
I will fight to stop it in the Senate."

"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."

States wanting to keep drilling 100 miles off their own shores would have
to pass legislation every five years, the lawmakers noted. They said studies
have shown that all the oil off New Jersey's shore would produce only 10 days
of fuel for the entire US.

Under a filibuster, Lautenburg and Menendez would attempt to extend floor
debate on the bill, effectively prevenoting a vote. Supporters of the
legislation could force a vote only if at least 60 senators agreed.

---Stephanie Seay, stephanie_seay@platts.com

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