Bush lifts ban on offshore drilling to ease energy bill
With prices at the pump over $4 (€2.50) a gallon, Bush pushed the Democrat-controlled Congress to expand offshore oil and natural gas drilling and give companies access to the Arctic Wildlife National Refuge despite opposition from environmentalists.
“With this action, the executive branch’s restrictions on this exploration have been cleared away,” Bush said. “This means the only thing standing between the American people and these vast oil resources is action from the US Congress.”
Congress too has a ban on offshore drilling and, while it expires on September 30, it could be renewed, making Bush’s move largely symbolic. Additionally, government officials say it would take years for any oil to be produced in those areas.
“Now the ball is squarely in Congress’ court,” Bush told reporters in the White House Rose Garden. “The time for action is now.”
He urged Congress to pass legislation to facilitate “responsible offshore exploration” and give states a say in whether drilling occurs.
High gasoline prices and soaring food prices have irked American consumers in a presidential election year, when Bush’s Republicans are trying to keep the White House and wrest control of Congress back from Democrats.
Democratic leaders in Congress and environmentalists immediately condemned the move as having no short-term impact on soaring oil prices.
Democratic White House hopeful Senator Barack Obama’s campaign quickly condemned the move.
His Republican rival, John McCain, said he supports the president’s decision.
