While President Bush and the presumptive Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain, have called for lifting the long-standing ban on new offshore drilling, Pelosi has called it an election-year "hoax" by oil industry allies that would provide no immediate relief from high gas prices and, even in the long run, have only a negligible effect on energy costs at potential risk to the environment.
At least 31 Democrats have signed on as co-sponsors of legislation to permit new drilling 25 miles off the coast - or, if states object, 50 miles offshore. The number of Democratic supporters is expected to grow once lawmakers get an earful from their constituents about high gasoline prices, said Dave Helfert, a spokesman for Rep. Neil Abercrombie, a Hawaii Democrat who is one of the bill's chief sponsors. When Republicans are added, the bill currently has 124 House sponsors.
While the bill enjoys the expected support of oil-patch Democrats, it also has the backing of some Democrats who have previously voted against new offshore drilling. It includes measures aimed at attracting more Democratic support, such as funding for such party priorities as development of alternative fuels, like solar and wind power, and energy assistance to low-income households.
