Proposal to end offshore drilling ban advances

Clears House committee, faces likely filibuster in the Senate

Legislation that would end a quarter-century ban on drilling in most of the Outer Continental Shelf advanced in the House on Wednesday. The measure would allow oil and gas development in restricted offshore waters unless a state prohibited it.

The House Resources Committee approved the legislation in 29-9 vote, and its sponsors say it has a good chance of being approved by the full House.

But the bill’s prospects in the Senate are poor as Florida’s two senators