Outer Continental Shelf Drilling Amendment Critical First Step in Domestic Natural Gas Development, NCGA Notes (5-16-06)

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is encouraging growers across the country to call their congressmen to support the outer continental shelf (OCS) drilling amendment that is part of the fiscal year 2007 Interior and Environment spending bill.

The amendment is a critical first step and an important policy initiative for agriculture, manufacturing and the nation’s energy consumers. The spending bill is scheduled to be brought to the House floor Thursday for a vote.

The House Appropriations Committee passed the amendment, introduced by Rep. John Peterson (R-Pa.), last week. The amendment would essentially eliminate the moratoria on the drilling and exploration of offshore natural gas that was put in place 25 years ago. Peterson’s amendment only removes the "appropriations" on federal spending to lease the areas currently under moratorium. "Authorizing" legislation would still be required.

“The Peterson amendment is a first step in opening up the OCS for production and development of natural gas,” said Garry Niemeyer, NCGA Corn Board member. “Growers rely heavily on natural gas in their farming operations. We are urging everyone to make calls to their legislators to urge them to vote against any amendment that would remove the Peterson amendment from the Interior spending bill.”

Niemeyer said Congress now has the opportunity to develop better public policy.

“Our country needs more diversified energy sources to meet our increasing energy needs, yet congress has failed to act in enacting good public policy,” he said. “We rely on foreign energy sources, and Congress must understand that we need to move to domestic development. This nation cannot keep up with existing and new sources of demand for natural gas. We simply face a crisis,” he said.

To reach your representative, call the Capitol Hill switchboard at 202.224.3121.