Environmental fury over US bill to expand oil and gas drilling

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2006

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Environmental groups accused the US Congress of selling out to the energy lobby after the House of Representatives voted to lift a 25-year moratorium on offshore oil and natural gas drilling.

"Americans already believe that their Congress lacks the guts to stand up to Big Oil. This vote proves they are absolutely right," said Carl Pope, executive director of the grassroots conservation organisation the Sierra Club.

"They billed this as 'energy week,' but sadly, the only idea they could muster is sticking more oil and gas rigs off our coasts," Pope said.

The House voted 232 to 187 on Thursday to approve a bill allowing oil and gas exploration firms to drill in previously protected coastal waters.

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