[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 25, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E59]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION REGARDING LANDS OF THE OUTER CONTINENTAL 
                   SHELF OFF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

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                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 25, 2005

  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce legislation to 
require a moratorium on leasing, exploration, and development on lands 
of the Outer Continental Shelf off the State of California. It is 
imperative to the people of California and San Diego County that we 
continue the Federal ban on offshore gas or oil drilling off of 
California's coast. The environmental sensitivities along the entire 
California coastline make the region an inappropriate place to drill 
for oil or gas using current technology. The 1989 National Academy of 
Sciences (NAS) study confirmed that new exploration and drilling on 
existing leases and on undeveloped leases in the same area would be 
detrimental to the environment. While I believe that it is vital to 
explore additional domestic sources of oil, and to pursue effective 
energy research and conservation programs, it is clear that immediately 
drilling off of California's delicate shoreline would be worth far less 
than the threat that such drilling poses on California's beaches.

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