[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 101 (Tuesday, June 20, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1298]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION TO PROTECT COASTAL RESOURCES FROM OIL AND 
                   GAS DEVELOPMENT IN FEDERAL WATERS

                                 ______


                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 20, 1995
  Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join Senator 
Barbara Boxer as we introduce legislation today to protect our 
coastlines from the harmful impacts associated with oil and gas leasing 
on the Outer Continental Shelf.
  In the past, we have successfully barred Federal OCS leasing in 
sensitive areas by attaching moratoria to annual appropriations bills. 
Today, the Interior Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee voted 
to lift that moratorium. It is very unlikely, I am afraid, that the 
final appropriations bill will include an OCS moratorium provision.
  As a result, hundreds of miles of Federal waters--and adjacent State 
waters--will be exposed to the dangers associated with offshore oil 
development.
  Our bill will bar Federal leasing and production when a coastal 
State, by law or order, establishes a moratorium on part or all of its 
coastal lands and waters.
  California recently enacted in a bipartisan effort, a law making all 
State waters off limits to new oil exploration. Our legislation would 
extend that protection into Federal waters.
  Federal officials should not override the decisions of coastal States 
that want to protect their offshore sanctuaries from the hazards of oil 
development. Those in the Congress who constantly cite the need for 
Congress to follow the wishes of State governments should have no 
problem endorsing the approach taken in our legislation.


                          ____________________