[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 116 (Thursday, September 9, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1812]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     LEGISLATION TO BAN OIL AND GAS DRILLING IN MOSQUITO CREEK LAKE

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. JAMES A. TRAFICANT, JR.

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 8, 1999

  Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation to 
prohibit oil and gas drilling in Mosquito Creek Lake in Cortland, Ohio. 
The lake is in the 17th Congressional District of Ohio which I am 
privileged to represent.
  For the past several years I have tried to work with the U.S. 
Department of Interior's Bureau of Land Management to address the 
legitimate concerns of local residents about the potential 
environmental and health impacts of oil and gas drilling on Mosquito 
Creek Lake. Unfortunately, a satisfactory arrangement could not be met. 
BLM is in the process of allowing slant drilling on the lake.
  Last year I carefully reviewed BLM's environmental assessment which 
included proposed safety procedures to contain leaks, spills and 
overflows. After considering these proposals, I felt compelled to join 
many of my constituents in opposition to drilling on private land 
around the lake. I remain adamantly opposed to any drilling. At this 
juncture, the only way to stop the drilling is legislative action. 
That's why I am introducing this bill.
  My legislation would bar any person from any drilling activity, 
including slant or directional drilling, to extract oil or gas from 
lands beneath Mosquito Creek Lake in Cortland, Ohio. Under the 
Traficant bill, the U.S. Attorney General has the authority to file 
suit in U.S. District Court to enforce this prohibition.
  While tests have shown evidence of oil and gas deposits below the 
lake, the levels are not high enough to justify drilling, in my 
opinion. The potential benefits of extracting oil and gas from beneath 
Mosquito Creek Lake do not outweigh the potential damage that could be 
done to the environment, water quality and overall quality of life for 
area residents. That's the bottom line.
  I intend to do everything possible to have this legislation enacted 
into law this year.

                                H.R. --

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. PROHIBITION.

       After the enactment of this Act no person may commence any 
     drilling activity (including any slant or directional 
     drilling) to extract oil or gas from lands beneath waters 
     under the jurisdiction of the United States in Mosquito Creek 
     Lake in Cortland, Ohio. The Attorney General of the United 
     States may bring an action in the appropriate United States 
     district court to enforce the prohibition contained in this 
     section.

     

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