Governors in some coastal states have threatened to block attempts at offshore drilling for oil in their home states, saying it’s bad for both the environment and their tourism economies. President Bush and Presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain called for the lifting of the 27-year old federal ban on offshore drilling on the East and West coasts of the United States, as well as the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

“As Governor of California, I will do everything in my power to fight the federal government on this issue and prevent any new offshore drilling,” Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a McCain supporter, said Wednesday. We are in this situation because of our dependence on traditional petroleum-based oil. [MSNBC.com]

Some states claim that they should be the ones to decide whether or not to allow drilling, not the federal government. Says Florida Gov. Charlie Crist:

“I think that not having that moratorium, blanket moratorium, and letting states rights be recognized, if you will, certainly is appropriate,” he said.

Here’s Bush below urging Congress to end the ban on drilling:

For the full story, click here. takepart and read other opinions about offshore and arctic oil exploration in the US here. You can also takepart with these 12 steps to help curb our addiction to oil.

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