RICHMOND, VA – Yesterday, a bill permitting drilling for oil and gas in federal waters passed the U.S. House and advanced to the U.S. Senate.

Earlier, Congresswoman Spanberger introduced a bipartisan amendment that would have prohibited offshore drilling specifically along the coast of Virginia, but was voted down with the help of GOP Representatives Kiggans and Wittman, whose districts both include portions of Virginia’s shoreline.

Both economic and military experts project that offshore drilling in Virginia’s coastal waters will damage Virginia’s coastal economy and the United States’ naval military readiness.

WAVY10: Bill to open up offshore drilling passes House, heads to Senate

February 8, 2023 | Chris Horne

WASHINGTON, DC (WAVY) – The notion of drilling for gas and oil off Virginia’s coast may not be as dead in the water as many people think.

A bill currently on Capitol Hill, the Strategic Production Response Act, has passed through the House of Representatives on a party line vote and is now in the Senate.

It would offset drawdowns from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve with the opening of corresponding gas and oil leases on federal lands and in federal waters. That includes a grid of lease plots that extend between 200-300 miles from the Atlantic Coast.

Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA, 2nd District) of Virginia Beach voted in favor.

“The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) was designed for natural disasters and emergencies, not as a surplus when gas prices are too high,” Kiggans said in a statement. “I was proud to vote for H.R. 21 because draining our reserves does not reduce energy prices for working families in the long run.” 

The bill passed 221-205 in the House Jan. 27. Every Republican voted yes, and every Democrat voted no except for one.

Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA, 3rd District) said the potential risk with offshore drilling far outweighs the potential reward.

“That risk is real, and it’s not worth the modest if any economic value,” Scott said. “There was a lot of support (for offshore drilling) early on. But gradually as people have thought about it, it’s just not a good idea.”

Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA, 7th District) also opposed the bill and doubts it will come to a vote in the Senate any time soon. She said it would put the environment, the fishing industry and tourism in jeopardy, but that’s not all.

“It would be an absolute risk towards the United States Navy and certainly they’ve been vocal,” Spanberger said. “NASA and Wallops Island have been clear in the risk that comes from offshore drilling.”

Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA, 3rd District) said the potential risk with offshore drilling far outweighs the potential reward.

“That risk is real, and it’s not worth the modest if any economic value,” Scott said. “There was a lot of support (for offshore drilling) early on. But gradually as people have thought about it, it’s just not a good idea.”

Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA, 7th District) also opposed the bill and doubts it will come to a vote in the Senate any time soon. She said it would put the environment, the fishing industry and tourism in jeopardy, but that’s not all.

“It would be an absolute risk towards the United States Navy and certainly they’ve been vocal,” Spanberger said. “NASA and Wallops Island have been clear in the risk that comes from offshore drilling.”

Said Warner in a statement: “The Senator is working in Congress to carry out the wishes of the people who represent and live in coastal Virginia, and therefore he is opposed to opening up coastal Virginia for offshore oil and gas production,” a statement read from Warner’s staff.”

Kiggans vice-chairs the House Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries. 

“I am excited that I will be able to help shape policies impacting our environment in Southeast Virginia,” Kiggans said in her statement. “I look forward to working with my colleagues and our local partners to support common-sense solutions regardless of party that will help us ensure the health and prosperity of our treasured natural resources.”

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