[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 87 (Thursday, June 21, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF OIL AND GAS LEASING LEGISLATION

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                         HON. FRANK A. LoBIONDO

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 21, 2001

  Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, Today I am introducing legislation which 
would make permanent the long-standing moratorium on leasing for the 
exploration or extraction of oil or gas on the Outer Continental Shelf 
near the New Jersey coast. I understand the need to find new energy 
sources, but I fear that future price spikes may cause some officials 
to make rash decisions based on political expediency instead of sound 
policy. If a permanent moratorium is not enacted, the New Jersey 
coastline will forever be in danger of oil development. In fact, recent 
articles in the Newark Star-Ledger and the Atlantic City Press outline 
a proposed Interior Department plan to study the effects of resuming 
offshore drilling on the Atlantic coast from Canada to North Carolina. 
Obviously, such a study would be the first step to the resumption of 
oil and gas leasing.
  The Exxon Valdez oil spill is still far too fresh in my mind, and in 
the minds of my constituents. We remember the television footage of 
oil-stained beaches and dying plants and animals. None of us ever wants 
to see this happen in New Jersey. A large oil spill on our coastline 
would have a devastating effect on the health and economy of my state. 
The tourism and fishing industries provide thousands of jobs in New 
Jersey, and they would all be thrown into jeopardy if an accident were 
to occur. I thank my colleagues, Representatives Jim Saxton, Marge 
Roukema, Rodney Frelinghuysen, Mike Ferguson and Chris Smith for 
agreeing to cosponsor this important bill, and I urge Congress to enact 
my legislation as quickly as possible.

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