Senator Webb Statement on Virginia's Exclusion from Offshore Drilling Plan

Press Release

Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) today released the following statement regarding the five-year oil and gas leasing plan announced by the Obama Administration, which omits Virginia.

"I am hopeful that the Administration will reconsider the inclusion of Virginia in its five-year lease plan," said Senator Webb. "Oil and gas exploration within the Virginia Outer Continental Shelf -- if coupled with an equitable formula for sharing revenues between the state and federal governments -- would boost domestic energy production, while benefiting the Commonwealth's economy.

"As we work to address our energy future here in Congress, it is important to note the Administration's existing authority to include Virginia in the current five-year lease plan, and I once again urge the President to exercise that authority."

Senator Webb has repeatedly urged the Obama Administration to keep Virginia's Outer Continental lease sale on schedule. In July, Senator Webb and Senator Mark Warner introduced the Virginia Outer Continental Shelf Energy Production Act of 2011, which included revenue-sharing provisions and would expand the federal government's map of the mid-Atlantic exploration area to more accurately reflect the extent of Virginia's coastal resources. In 2008, Senator Webb cosponsored similar legislation with Republican Senator John Warner.

Senator Webb has consistently called for a holistic approach to addressing our nation's energy needs that includes energy conservation and energy efficiency, as well as new energy production.

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