    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book II)]
    [July 31, 1995]
    [Pages 1185-1186]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Oil and Gas Drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf
    July 31, 1995

        The Government today has reached an agreement protecting sensitive
    coastal areas off Florida and Alaska from oil drilling, which has been
    prohibited since 1988, through Democratic and Republican Presidencies.
        Concern for our coasts is part of the common ground we share as
    Americans, not only in the areas protected today but in places as
    different as California, Massachusetts, Oregon, New Jersey, and
    Washington. Once sensitive areas are

    [[Page 1186]]

    damaged--beaches, the fishing industry, tourism--our natural heritage
    suffers greatly.
        This settlement is good for the environment, good for taxpayers,
    good for the economy, and fair to the oil companies.
        I am pleased that Secretary Babbitt and Attorney General Reno
    reached this agreement with the oil companies. We celebrate today with
    the citizens of Florida and Alaska, and I pledge continued protection of
    our coasts.