Alan Lowenthal: “I thank the gentlewoman from California, who has been an outstanding champion of ocean protection. Mr. Chairman, I rise…”

“I thank the gentlewoman from California, who has been an outstanding champion of ocean protection. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment. It would not only honor the wishes of the Governor of California, but also the vast majority of the Federal and State representatives, especially all those that are closest to where this misguided bill would not only authorize, but would force the sale of offshore oil and gas leases. These are the people who would bear the greatest risk of any oil spill, which, as we all know, has already occurred in the past in these waters. As I just said, the underlying bill we are considering today not only just authorizes, but it mandates lease sales in vast portions of the Outer Continental Shelf, including southern California, forcing the Interior Department and the States to accept leases in their backyards, regardless of the opposition from potential impacts. And it not only does that, it bars citizens from properly participating in the process. What do I mean? This bill lacks meaningful environmental review and a chance for Americans to voice their informed consent by not allowing any consideration of any nonleasing alternative in the NEPA process. Instead, what does the bill do? It dictates to the public, it dictates to the States, it dictates to the Interior Department, without any of their input, where oil and gas leases will be held. This would occur regardless of whether the public has legitimate concerns or not. Too bad.…”