Governors Urge Passage of Outer Continental Shelf Legislation

Washington D.C. (Sept. 24) – Forty of the nation's 50 governors have signed a letter urging congressional leaders to pass environmental legislation this year, such as Sen. Mary L. Landrieu's (D-La.) Conservation and Reinvestment Act of 1999 (CARA).

The letter states that Congress has a "historic opportunity" this year to pass legislation that is a major, long-term commitment to natural resources. While it does not specifically name Sen. Landrieu's legislation, the letter urges legislation redirects a "meaningful portion" of revenues from outer continental shelf oil and gas drilling toward coastal conservation and impact assistance, land conservation, parks and recreation projects, and wildlife conservation. Landrieu's CARA is the only legislation pending in Congress that fits this description.

"Since outer continental revenues come from nonrenewable resources, it makes sense to permanently dedicate them to natural resource conservation," the letter stated. The letter, dated Sept. 21, was sent to Senate leaders Sens. Trent Lott and Tom Daschle and House leaders Reps. Dennis Hastert and Richard Gephardt.

Currently, the federal government keeps almost 100 percent of revenues from outer continental shelf oil and gas drilling. However, CARA would redirect 50 percent back states, providing much-needed coastal impact assistance for states impacted by offshore energy development activities. In addition to providing assistance for coastal states, it would provide for all states with funds for historic preservation, as well as full funding for the Wildlife Conservation Fund and the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

"This is a huge endorsement for this legislation," Sen. Landrieu said. "Having a letter with 40 governors – Republicans, Democrats, interior states, coastal states – is going to have an impact on the leadership here in terms of trying to move this bill."

"Clearly there is a base of strong bipartisan support for this bill, which I think is one of the most important pieces of environmental legislation to date. I am happy to lead this effort," Sen. Landrieu added.