Jon S. Corzine: “I first thank Chairman Domenici and the ranking member, Senator Bingaman, as well as both of their staffs on the Energy…”

“I first thank Chairman Domenici and the ranking member, Senator Bingaman, as well as both of their staffs on the Energy Committee for all of their hard work on preparing an energy bill. Their leadership has allowed tbe Senate to come together to develop a comprehensive energy policy that is paramount to our Nation's future national and economic security. With reservation on some issues, I supported the Energy Committee bill. I rise today to speak about one of those particular issues--one of great importance to the people of New Jersey--the threat of oil and gas drilling off the coast of New Jersey's 127 miles of shore. All of my colleagues heard Senator Nelson and Senator Martinez speak on the floor this week about Florida's treasured coasts and how important it is to Florida's environment and economy that its coasts be protected from any weakening of the moratoria on drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf. My colleagues from Florida should take every step necessary to protect their beaches and coastal waters. As a Senator from a coastal State where tourism is the second largest industry, I, too, will take every step necessary to protect the Jersey shore from any effort to weaken the longstanding bipartisan moratoria on drilling in the OCS. As I understand it, the chairman and ranking member have both agreed to oppose any amendments that would open up the OCS moratoria in the submerged lands off of Florida's coast.…”