Lynn C. Woolsey: “this is a battle that my California colleagues and I have been fighting for many, many years. It is not a fad. I thank…”

“this is a battle that my California colleagues and I have been fighting for many, many years. It is not a fad. I thank the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps), as well as the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) and the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall) for their leadership on this issue. Without this amendment, the Bush administration's concern with promoting the interests of big oil over serving the people of California will cause great harm to our coast. The answer to America's energy needs is not contained in 36 oil leases; our energy future depends on increased use of renewable energy sources and conservation measures. Drilling for oil off our coast will threaten to destroy our environment, wreak havoc on our economy, an economy that depends on tourism and a great deal on fishing. Unfortunately, the future of these 36 undeveloped leases is only a symptom of a bigger problem. The real solution is for the Federal Government to enact a permanent ban on drilling off California's coast. For too long now, the coast of California has been protected only by a multiyear presidential order.”