LoBiondo backs Democratic bill on drilling
Posted by Jersey Shore Breaking News at Wednesday, September 17. 2008 and is filed under Linwood,Current of Pleasantville,Port Republic,Current of Egg Harbor Township,Current of Downbeach,Current of Somers Point,Northfield,Current of Hamilton Township,Absecon,Current of Galloway 
By BILL BARLOW
Staff Writer
After years of opposition to expanding offshore oil drilling, U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo on Tuesday was among the majority of yes votes for an energy bill that included clearing the way for drilling 100 miles off the coast, and 50 miles off with state permission.
The Democratic bill also included incentives for solar power, wind power and other alternative fuels, as well as pushing for increased fuel standards for cars.
LoBiondo was one of 15 Republican House members supporting the bill. Of New Jersey’s six Republican House members, only Rep. Chris Smith joined LoBiondo in support of the bill, which also saw a split in the state’s seven-member Democratic caucus.
LoBiondo said Wednesday that the Republican-backed version of the bill would have allowed drilling closer to the coast, and that something had to be done to address the energy crisis. Voting against both would have been tantamount to taking the position that there was no crisis, he said.
“I don’t think you can sit on your hands and ignore the pain that is impacting every family in the district I represent, which is what a no vote on both would have done,” LoBiondo said.
The bill allows oil exploration and drilling 100 miles off the coast, and gives states the power to allow drilling within 50 miles.
LoBiondo said the Republican version would have allowed offshore drilling as close as 25 miles to shore.
He said he continues to oppose drilling off New Jersey as too risky given the importance of the beaches to the state economy.
Under the bill, if a neighboring state such as Virginia decided to drill, there is nothing New Jersey could do to stop it.
But staff members in the congressman’s office said the bill gives the revenue from the expanded oil production to the federal government, greatly reducing incentives to expand drilling.
LoBiondo said the Democratic bill included provisions that he supports, including expanding renewable energy.
There is also some question as to whether the House vote will have any impact. It also needs approval in the Senate, and reports indicate Democratic leadership will not bring it to a vote, instead counting on a potential President Barack Obama to reinstate a 27-year-old executive ban on most offshore drilling, which President George W. Bush lifted in July. Sen. John McCain supports offshore drilling.
There is another issue looming.
The federal government’s fiscal year ends Sept. 30, and Congress will have to pass a temporary appropriations bill to keep the government funded. According to LoBiondo, the offshore drilling moratorium has so far always been included in the federal appropriations bill, but it will be up to Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to include it this year, or else it will open up the entire coast to drilling.
The appropriation is a straight up or down vote, and LoBiondo said if it fails, the government will shut down.
“That’s not an option, as far as I’m concerned,” LoBiondo said.
Staff Writer
After years of opposition to expanding offshore oil drilling, U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo on Tuesday was among the majority of yes votes for an energy bill that included clearing the way for drilling 100 miles off the coast, and 50 miles off with state permission.
The Democratic bill also included incentives for solar power, wind power and other alternative fuels, as well as pushing for increased fuel standards for cars.
LoBiondo was one of 15 Republican House members supporting the bill. Of New Jersey’s six Republican House members, only Rep. Chris Smith joined LoBiondo in support of the bill, which also saw a split in the state’s seven-member Democratic caucus.
LoBiondo said Wednesday that the Republican-backed version of the bill would have allowed drilling closer to the coast, and that something had to be done to address the energy crisis. Voting against both would have been tantamount to taking the position that there was no crisis, he said.
“I don’t think you can sit on your hands and ignore the pain that is impacting every family in the district I represent, which is what a no vote on both would have done,” LoBiondo said.
The bill allows oil exploration and drilling 100 miles off the coast, and gives states the power to allow drilling within 50 miles.
LoBiondo said the Republican version would have allowed offshore drilling as close as 25 miles to shore.
He said he continues to oppose drilling off New Jersey as too risky given the importance of the beaches to the state economy.
Under the bill, if a neighboring state such as Virginia decided to drill, there is nothing New Jersey could do to stop it.
But staff members in the congressman’s office said the bill gives the revenue from the expanded oil production to the federal government, greatly reducing incentives to expand drilling.
LoBiondo said the Democratic bill included provisions that he supports, including expanding renewable energy.
There is also some question as to whether the House vote will have any impact. It also needs approval in the Senate, and reports indicate Democratic leadership will not bring it to a vote, instead counting on a potential President Barack Obama to reinstate a 27-year-old executive ban on most offshore drilling, which President George W. Bush lifted in July. Sen. John McCain supports offshore drilling.
There is another issue looming.
The federal government’s fiscal year ends Sept. 30, and Congress will have to pass a temporary appropriations bill to keep the government funded. According to LoBiondo, the offshore drilling moratorium has so far always been included in the federal appropriations bill, but it will be up to Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to include it this year, or else it will open up the entire coast to drilling.
The appropriation is a straight up or down vote, and LoBiondo said if it fails, the government will shut down.
“That’s not an option, as far as I’m concerned,” LoBiondo said.
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