Bush to Push Congress for Offshore Drilling

Like McCain, he says it's time to end the ban
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jun 17, 2008 10:07 PM CDT
Bush to Push Congress for Offshore Drilling
Salim Sabbagh pumps gas that is priced at $4.05 a gallon for regular unleaded ,at a gas station in Paterson, N.J., Monday, June 16, 2008.    (AP Photo/Mike Derer)

President Bush plans to make a renewed push tomorrow to get Congress to end a long-standing ban on offshore oil and gas drilling. Democrats have opposed the move for years, but rising gas prices are ratcheting up pressure to find domestic solutions. "The president believes Congress shouldn't waste any more time," said spokeswoman Dana Perino.

Bush will be echoing John McCain, who has made lifting the federal ban on offshore oil and gas development a key part of his energy plan. The Arizona senator said states should be allowed to pursue energy exploration in waters near their coasts and receive some of the royalty revenue. His stance drew charges of flip-flopping today from the Obama camp. (More McCain 2008 stories.)

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