WASHINGTON — The House voted late Tuesday to open waters off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts to oil and gas drilling but only 50 or more miles out to sea and only if a state agrees to energy development off its shore.
Democratic leaders called it a step toward energy independence, but Republicans labeled it a “sham” because most of the estimated 18 billion barrels of oil believed to lie below coastal waters are within 50 miles of land.
The measure passed in a largely party-line vote of 236- 189. It now goes to the Senate. Thirteen Democrats bucked their leadership and voted against the measure.
Even before the House vote, the White House said President Bush was prepared to veto the measure. An administration statement said the bill would “stifle development” of offshore energy resources by essentially making permanent drilling bans within the 50-mile buffer, while imposing new taxes on the largest oil companies.
But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said the bill “will end our dependence on foreign oil” by using billions of dollars collected in taxes on large oil companies to promote alternative fuels and energy efficiency.
The legislation also provides tax breaks for energy efficiency and conservation programs including the use of improved building codes, low-interest loans for energy-efficient homes, and tax breaks for companies that promote their employees’ use of bicycles for commuting.
“By prioritizing energy-efficiency practices, we can ease the woes of homeowners, lenders, financial markets, builders and our environment,” said Rep. Ed Perlmutter, D-Golden, who sponsored that portion of the bill.
Staff writer Anne C. Mulkern contributed to this report.
