US' ACC seeks quick approval of Senate drilling bill

Washington (Platts)--8Nov2006

The American Chemistry Council, in the wake of big Democratic pick-ups in
the House and Senate in midterm elections, Wednesday urged the House and
Senate to pass a modest bill, previously approved by the Senate, to open to
leasing part of the Gulf of Mexico now off-limits to development.
"It's now clear that time has run out and [the Senate-passed bill] is the
only viable option for legislation this year that can bring more desperately
needed natural gas to market," ACC President Jack Gerard said in a statement.
"We implore the House to immediately pass S.3711 and send it to the
President's desk as a step toward a more rational energy policy and a signal
to manufacturers who must compete in global markets that the US remains 'open
for business.'"
ACC initially supported a broader House-passed bill that would have
lifted a federal moratorium on drilling in all areas of the Outer Continental
Shelf, at the discretion of states.
It remains uncertain whether the House will go along with the Senate
measure. The Republicans, who are about to cede the majority to the Democrats,
sought a more comprehensive bill. They may, however, see the Senate bill as
the last best hope to get expanded drilling access in the coming year.


 

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