Oregon's Outdoors In the News

Drilling for gas, oil or sulfur off the Oregon Coast would be prohibited under a bill that passed the House Monday on a 47-11 vote.
Senate Bill 790 places a moratorium on leasing for purpose of exploration, development or production of oil, gas or sulfur up to three miles off the Oregon Coast until Jan. 2, 2010. It makes exceptions for scientific research, academic research or geological survey activities.
It would also allow the governor to lift the moratorium if he determines an oil embargo "substantially affects the supply of oil to the United States."
Oregon previously had a similar off-shore drilling moratorium until it expired in 1995.
"It was believed that the threat of off-shore drilling had passed," said Rep. Deborah Boone, D-Cannon Beach.
There are currently no such projects in the works, Boone said. But there are rumblings and Boone described the reinstatement of a moratorium a "preventative measure."
The bill passed the Senate 19-7 last month. It now heads to the governor.