Interior Dept. Proposes Drilling in Gulf

The government plans to open a large area of the eastern Gulf of Mexico to oil and gas leasing despite strong opposition from Florida officials.

The Interior Department’s leasing proposal released Wednesday would encompass more than two-thirds of an area known as Lease 181, while continuing to ban oil and gas development in waters within 100 miles of the Florida coast.

President Bush in 2001 assured Florida officials, including his brother, Gov. Jeb Bush, that the Lease 181 area would be protected at least through this year. The new proposal, expected to become final early next year, would cover the 2007-2012 leasing period.

Associated Press