Schakowsky Joins Effort to Permanently Bank Oil and Gas Drilling in the Great Lakes
SCHAKOWSKY JOINS EFFORT TO PERMANENTLY BANK OIL AND GAS DRILLING IN THE GREAT LAKES
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) today joined several of her colleagues to express her disappointment that a bipartisan amendment, introduced by Representative Bart Stupak (D-MI), would not be allowed for consideration on the House floor that would place an unequivocal ban on drilling for oil and natural gas in or under the Great Lakes.
Schakowsky cosponsored the amendment, which was rejected by the Republican majority in the House Rules Committee.
"The majority has once again neglected its responsibility to protect our constituents' health and to safeguard the environment and our natural resources," said Schakowsky.
"The late Senator Paul Simon wrote a book titled Tapped Out in which he explains that over the last 50 years we have seen nations go to war over oil. The next generation will be fighting wars over water."
"In a world with a growing population and diminishing resources, why would any member of Congress choose anything other than the prudent option when it comes to protection of our fresh water resources? Almost every year we are told about oil spills, pipeline accidents and other accidents. Knowing that we cannot absolutely rule those possibilities out, why would we choose an option that makes them possible? It is counter-intuitive and short-sighted."
Schakowsky was joined by Representatives Bart Stupak (D-MI), Rahm Emmanuel (D-IL), Dale Kildee (D-MI) and Melissa Bean (D-IL), whom all pledged to continue the fight to prevent oil and gas drilling in the Great Lakes.
"The Great Lakes contain nearly 20 percent of the world's, and 95 percent of the United States', fresh surface water. The well-being, quality of life, and economic future of millions of Americans depend on the health of the Great Lakes, and they should be protected." concluded Schakowsky.
http://www.house.gov/schakowsky/PressRelease_4_20_05_GreatLakes.html