Offshore Staff

(US, GoM) - By a 232-187 margin, the House approved the Deep Offshore Energy Resources (DOER) Act (H.R. 4761).

The bipartisan legislation overhauls a quarter century old policy which gives the coastal states principal authority to decide whether or not to allow production off their coasts.

"The balance struck in this bill will save and create American jobs, lower prices for consumers, and deliver to coastal states unprecedented power to protect 100 mi of their seas," says House Resources Committee Chairman, Richard Pombo (R-California).

"In Louisiana, this bill will ensure that for the first time since drilling began off our coasts 50 years ago, we will receive a fair share of the royalties this industry generates for the federal treasury," says Charlie Melancon (D-Louisiana).

John Engler, president, National Association of Manufacturers, chimed in, "Today's vote is but the first step toward securing America's economic future and our energy supply. On behalf of the millions of manufacturing workers who make things in America, I salute the House for helping to ensure a robust economy, a strong manufacturing sector, and secure jobs for American workers."

The bill now goes to the Senate for deliberations.

06/30/06