Mark Udall: “I will vote for this bill. In recent days, discussion of the bill has included statements--by some supporters and some…”

“I will vote for this bill. In recent days, discussion of the bill has included statements--by some supporters and some opponents alike--that I found exaggerated in their descriptions of the likely effect of its enactment. I regret that, and think it would be better to avoid the ``use it or lose it'' rhetoric that oversimplifies the issue and fails to reflect the reality that oil and gas exploration is a complicated commercial and scientific enterprise involving efforts not easily fitting within strict regulatory timelines. But while the bill may not be as far-reaching as some have claimed, I think it is a reasonable response to current conditions and should be passed. In essence, the bill would bar the current holders of Federal mineral leases--whether for onshore or offshore areas--from obtaining additional leases unless they are able to show that they are ``diligently developing'' the leases they already hold. The Secretary of the Interior would be responsible for spelling out in regulations exactly what would be needed to show such ``due diligence.'' Current Interior Department regulations include provisions addressing due diligence requirements, so this is not a new concept. But I think giving it greater emphasis is appropriate in view of the continuing importance of oil even as we work to increase the availability and use of alternative energy sources.”