Information about the vote from special interest groups and other information providers in our Report Cards:
League of Conservation Voters
Offshore Drilling.
S. 3711, the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, ended protections for Florida’s Gulf Coast
and opened up 8 million acres off the coasts of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana for
oil and gas drilling. And, for the first time ever, 37 percent of the revenue from drilling would go to Gulf Coast states rather than the federal treasury — a precedent that could encourage more states to support drilling off their coasts and cost federal taxpayers billions.
Although many senators have introduced bills that would truly address our nation’s energy
problems, such as raising fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks, Senate leaders ignored clean-energy solutions and brought S. 3711 up for a vote on the Senate floor. Opponents of the
bill mounted a filibuster and urged that the Senate consider faster, cheaper, and cleaner ener. The bill passed.American Conservative Union
Gulf of Mexico Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling.
The Senate passed a bill authorizing drilling in about 8.3 million acres of the eastern Gulf of Mexico.U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Offshore Energy—S. 3711.
The Senate passed S. 3711, the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act. The legislation is to open a small portion of the eastern Gulf of Mexico to environmentally compatible oil and natural gas development.
S. 3711 is an important step toward expanding domestic energy security by authorizing energy production in a small portion of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Overall, the OCS is estimated to contain 420 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and more than 85 billion barrels of oil. The natural gas that is located on the OCS off the lower 48 states alone would satisfy all domestic industrial and commercial needs for almost 30 years. The projected amount of oil would provide a 15-year supply of gasoline for 132 million cars and heating oil for 54 million homes.Republican Liberty Caucus (Economic Liberty)
S. 3711.
Gulf of Mexico off-shore drilling.International Brotherhood of Boilermakers
Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006.
This legislation would enhance the energy independence and security of the United States by providing for exploration, development, and production activities for energy resources in the Gulf of Mexico. Rising energy costs threaten the competiveness of domestic manufacturing facilities, particularly those reliant on natural gas such as cement.The John Birch Society
Offshore Drilling.
Sen. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.) sponsored a bill (S.3711) that would authorize oil drilling in the 8.3 million acres of the eastern Gulf of Mexico. The Senate would allow much less offshore drilling than the House-passed legislation (see House Roll Call #356); however, it would still be a step in the right direction. The United States should reduce its dependency on foreign oil and utilize its own energy resources.BIPAC
S.3711, On Passage of the Bill.
Energy independence and affordable supply of natural gas would be enhanced if areas in the Gulf of Mexico were available for exploration.The Club for Growth
S. 3711 - Gulf Offshore Drilling.
Vote on passage of the bill that would end a federal moratorium on some offshore drilling of oil and natural gas. Economic growth depends in part on reliable energy sources. Royalties from new natural resource development may cause less economic distortions than income taxes. This bill passed.The Center for Security Policy
Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006.
The Domenici (R-NM) allows for leasing parts of the Gulf of Mexico for oil exploration and drilling to reduce dependency on foreign oil, specifically those states who use oil revenues to sponsor and support terror groups.Republicans for Environmental Protection
Requires Interior Department to offer oil and gas leases in eastern Gulf of Mexico.
The Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, S. 3711, sponsored by Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM). This bill required the Interior Department to offer oil and gas leases on 8.3 million acres in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. This bill perpetuates America’s dangerous oil dependence, set a precedent for drilling in sensitive marine maters, and direct a disproportionate share of federal royalty revenues from a public resource to four states.