Earth Equity News

Some Dems Breaking Ranks on Offshore Drilling. Posted by Kate Sheppard, Grist, July 11, 2008. "A few more [Senate Democrats] may now be joining the ranks [of those legislators warming to the idea of lifting the offshore oil drilling ban]... Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said this week that he's 'open to drilling and responsible production,' and apparently Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) is also considering it... Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown is also considering supporting more drilling, despite having formerly opposed it. Some Democrats on the House side, mostly the conservative 'Blue Dogs,' are joining the Republican call for more drilling. 'I propose that we drill in ANWR,' said Rep. Mike Ross (D-Ark.)... House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) spoke in favor of a compromise with some drilling [last] week, noting that 20 million acres in the National Petroleum Reserve Alaska... could be made available... Meanwhile, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) reiterated her stance that drilling isn't sound energy policy [saying,] 'This call for drilling in areas that are protected is a hoax, an absolute hoax on the part of the Republicans and this administration.'"