Rep. Meltzer offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 402.

            A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to lift the ban on new off-shore oil and gas drilling.

            Whereas, The rapid rise in energy costs is reverberating throughout the economy of our state and nation. The impact of the increase in the per-barrel cost of oil to record levels is being felt immediately because of skyrocketing gasoline costs. The fact that the overall costs are yet to be felt as this ripples through every enterprise is a source of serious concern; and

            Whereas, Even as every single household and business tries to cope with oil and gas costs far beyond those of only a short time ago, a potentially significant source of new energy—within the boundaries of our own country—remains untapped due to the longstanding ban Congress imposed on new off-shore drilling in the continental shelf along the coastlines of much of the country; and

            Whereas, The potential for the development of these new oil and gas fields at home remains out of reach, and with it comes greater reliance on foreign sources than might otherwise be necessary if we were to access domestically what could be up to 18 billion barrels of oil over time; and

            Whereas, Off-shore drilling is not an unproven technology. There is a large enough volume of experience in our country alone, especially in the Gulf of Mexico, to assure that safety and environmental concerns are not compromised in new areas of exploration or development; and

            Whereas, The President has proposed that Congress lift the ban on new off-shore drilling to permit the development of these areas. This proposal is a realistic, positive step we can take to address a problem that demands action. While this action cannot bring instant relief and will not bring new oil sources on line for years, this is no reason to continue a ban that does not serve the best interests of the American people. Lifting the ban would send a powerful message to the world that our country will do what it needs to do to develop its own resources. Such a shift would also likely reduce a bit of the market speculation that may have contributed to the escalation in oil pricing of late; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to lift the ban on new off-shore oil and gas drilling; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.