Drilling bill would help consumers, states

HOPE SPRINGS eternal in the backbreaking but absolutely essential political quest to develop the nation’s offshore energy resources.

The United States is in the midst of an energy crisis, with skyrocketing prices for gasoline and natural gas threatening the economy. Yet the damage caused by energy costs apparently hasn’t weakened the resolve of misguided opponents of domestic energy exploration and development.

Just last month, the House of Representatives rejected a common-sense proposal to end a 25-year federal ban on offshore drilling for oil and natural gas. The ban, which covers most of the nation’s coasts, keeps large reserves of oil and natural gas off-limits to exploration.

Realizing what’s at stake, House Republicans have come up with a new strategy for overcoming opposition to proposals that allow drilling. The well-balanced plan proposed by Rep. Bobby Jindal, R-La., would give states an option for banning offshore wells while also providing a financial reward to states that agree to allow drilling in their coastal waters.

Mobile Press-Register (Alabama)