Porter files petition to force vote on offshore drilling ban

U.S. Rep. Jon Porter (R-Henderson) filed a petition Wednesday morning in an attempt to force a vote on a bill that would lift a decades-old ban on offshore oil drilling.

The proposal -- known as the Deep Water Energy Resources Act -- would open portions of the outer continental shelf to oil exploration. Congressional Republicans, including 101 who co-sponsored the bill, say the measure would help lower gasoline prices.

Congressional Democrats, including U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have been generally opposed to expanded offshore drilling. As a result, the bill has been stuck in committee hearings since May 21.

In a statement issued Wednesday, Porter criticized Democrats for not taking action on the proposal -- not one Democrat has come out in support of the measure, the statement said.

“This legislation will provide relief for Nevadans and businesses struggling to make ends meet because of oppressive energy prices,” said Porter. “It is past due that this Congress pursues bipartisan, common-sense solutions. Nevadans and all Americans are demanding results and the leadership in this Congress has done nothing to reach this goal.”  

Porter also said Congress should be pursuing measures to increase use of alternative fuel sources and energy independence.

President Bush earlier this month lifted an executive order banning drilling on the outer continental shelf. That action would remain moot if Congress fails to follow suit.

Porter is currently running in a one of the nation's tightest Congressional races against Democrat Dina Titus. Energy policy has been a key issue in that race, and Titus released her own energy plan earlier this week.