[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 107 (Wednesday, June 28, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S9234]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 OFF-SHORE OIL AND NATURAL GAS DRILLING
  Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, I rise today to commend the House 
Appropriations Committee for its vote yesterday to restore the 
moratorium on off-shore oil and natural gas drilling. A bipartisan 
coalition of coastal State members led the successful fight to rightly 
reverse the subcommittee's recommendation to lift this needed ban.
  Mr. President, our Nation's coastline is perhaps our most beautiful 
and cherished natural resource. With the Fourth of July weekend fast 
approaching, many American families are planning to head to the beech 
to escape the heat, walk along the boardwalk, and swim in our oceans. 
When they look out to sea, the only sight should be the Sun melting 
into an endless horizon. They do not want to see gigantic oil and gas 
drilling rigs and most importantly they do not want to expose their 
children to pollution.
  Mr. President, for 14 years the Congress has stood behind the off-
shore ban, which strikes a fair balance between the need for 
development of natural resources and environmental protection. 
Yesterday, the full Appropriations Committee recognized the necessity 
of this balance and I again commend committee members of both parties 
for their foresight.
  I remain deeply concerned, however, that there may be yet another 
attempt to lift the ban as the appropriations bill moves through the 
legislative process. I will watch this situation closely and will 
oppose vigorously any attempt to open our shoreline to needless 
exploitation.

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