Fla. Senator Criticizes ‘Gang of 10’ Energy Plan

Fri, August 01, 2008 - 11:15 AM

WASHINGTON – Florida GOP Sen. Mel Martinez says a energy plan offered today by a bipartisan group of 10 other senators falls short – and could give Floridians a lack of say in determining where off-shore oil exploration could occur.

Among the initiatives proposed by the new energy “Gang of 10” is an oil drilling plan that would open up areas of the eastern Gulf of Mexico, as well as areas off the eastern United States.

“I compliment the group for coming together in a bipartisan way to try to address the current energy crisis. Unfortunately, the proposal would eliminate Florida’s 2006 Gulf protections and give Floridians absolutely no voice in determining where exploration could occur,” said Martinez, in a statement.

“Our current crisis is a supply and demand problem and we need a comprehensive plan to address our energy needs and that includes substantially increasing domestic production as well as conservation, and renewable fuel technology,” he said.

But he added, “A comprehensive solution includes oil shale production, exploring (the Artic National Wildlife Refuge, and allowing states to decide where to develop offshore resources. This proposal falls short of meeting those goals.”

Members of the group include Sens. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., Mary Landrieu, D-Louisiana,

John Thune, R-S.D.; Ben Nelson, D-Neb.; Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.; Mark Pryor, D-Ark.; Johnny Isakson, R-Ga.; Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark.; and Bob Corker, R-Tenn., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga.

-- Billy House