WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the country’s ongoing energy crisis, Congressman Dave Hobson (OH-7) today introduced a bill to lift a Congressional ban on oil and natural gas exploration and production in the Outer Continental Shelf waters between the State of Florida and Cuba. The Bolster America’s Resources through Responsible Exploratory Leasing (B.A.R.R.E.L.-H.R. 6735) bill follows President George W. Bush’s action on July 14, 2008, to lift an executive office ban on exploration and production in federal offshore waters in the Gulf of Mexico, and off the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. The area where Hobson’s bill will lift the Congressional ban is located near the waters where Chinese oil companies are reportedly negotiating oil drilling lease agreements with Cuba.

“Right now, China and other countries have the ability to drill for oil off the coast of the United States – we don’t. What message does that send to the rest of the world about the U.S. being serious about becoming energy independent? The president lifted the executive office ban on offshore exploration and production, and now it’s time for Congress to do the same,” Hobson said.  

Specifically, Hobson’s bill would lift the ban on oil exploration and production inside the Eastern Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf Planning Area within 50 miles of the U.S.-Cuba marine boundary, and west of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

“We need to plan for the future with a common sense and balanced approach to our energy crisis. Part of that is exploring and producing energy right here at home. We also need to support the continued development of alternative and renewable sources of energy, and to increase conservation. In the meantime, lifting the Congressional ban on oil and natural gas exploration in Outer Continental Shelf waters between Florida and Cuba will send a message to the rest of the world that America is serious about becoming energy independent,” Hobson said.

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