Thursday, July 27, 2006

Senate Will Pass Offshore Oil Drilling Bill

UPDATE: The Senate passed the bill 71-25 on Aug 1, 2006

Senate bill S 3711 would open up 8.3 million acres in the Gulf of Mexico to offshore oil and gas drilling. The bill is now filibuster-proof because the Senate voted 86-12 to invoke cloture on consideration of the bill, limiting debate and ensuring a final vote. S. 3711 is sponsored by Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Pete V. Domenici (R-N.M.) . The House passed an offshore drilling bill in June. It should be interesting to see if and how these two bills will be reconciled in conference.

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