[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 67 (Wednesday, May 16, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5016-S5017]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mrs. BOXER:
  S. 901. A bill to amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to 
direct the Secretary of the Interior to cease mineral leasing activity 
on the outer Continental Shelf seaward of a coastal State that has 
declared a moratorium on mineral exploration, development, or 
production activity in State water; to the Committee on Energy and 
Natural Resources.
  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I am introducing the Coastal States 
Protection Act, which is intended to protect our Nation's fragile 
coastlines from the detrimental environmental impacts of offshore oil 
and gas development. Chronic leakage associated with normal oil and gas 
operations, as well as catastrophic spills such as the horrific Santa 
Barbara spill in 1969, irreparably contaminate the ocean floor, 
tidelands, and beaches.
  In California, there is strong and enduring public support for the 
protection of our oceans and coastlines. My State decided that the 
potential benefits that might be derived from future offshore oil and 
gas development were not worth the risk of destroying our priceless 
coastal treasures. To ensure that our beaches remain pristine and our 
waters clear, California passed legislation permanently prohibiting oil 
and gas exploration in State waters. Unfortunately, the State only has 
jurisdiction over the territory that extends three nautical miles out 
from shore.
  Federal waters off the coast of California, which extend beyond State 
waters to 200 nautical miles out, have received several forms of 
temporary protection from additional offshore oil and gas development. 
Since 1982, Congress has approved successive 1-year leasing and 
drilling moratoria that have provided protection for U.S. waters. In 
1998, President Clinton issued a 10-year ban on Outer Continental Shelf 
activity off the coast of California. We now face, however, mounting 
pressures to explore new sources of domestic oil and gas.
  My bill provides permanent protection by ensuring that no mineral 
leasing can occur on the Outer Continental Shelf in Federal waters 
where the State has placed a moratorium on mineral exploration, 
development, or production activity in adjacent States waters. Thus, 
this bill guarantees that the wishes of a State are reflected in the 
management decisions made regarding associated Federal waters.
  This legislation is similar to bills I introduced in the 104th, 
105th, and 106th Congress. Several officials in the new administration 
have expressed strong support for State and local decision-making, so I 
am hopeful that they will join me in supporting this legislation.
  This bill will make an important and lasting contribution to the 
protection of our Nation's coastlines.

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