Congressman lauds off-shore drill bill

Congressman Jeff Duncan commends the House of Representatives for passing an off-shore oil and gas bill that he believes will mean economic benefits for South Carolina and other coastal states. The bill is H-R 4899—“the Lowering Gasoline Prices to Fuel an America that Works Act.” According to Duncan’s office, the bill would unleash potential economic activity currently constrained by the Obama administration’s energy priorities by directing the Secretary of the Interior to develop a new, 5-year oil and gas leasing program with emphasis on areas with the greatest energy potential. The bill passed 229-185, with an amendment by the Third District Republican that creates a new revenue sharing formula that would direct 37.5% of revenues received from offshore leases to coastal states.