Sunday, September 9, 2001

For more information, contact: Jen Waller, Communications Assistant 859-288-6154 or http://gov.state.ky.us/sga/index.htm

SOUTHERN GOVERNORS REAFFIRM SUPPORT FOR USING OIL AND GAS FUNDS FOR CONSERVATION PROJECTS

LEXINGTON, Ky. - The southern governors renew today their commitment to leading the charge for one of the largest pieces of environmental legislation in decades that could put billions of dollars into state hands to protect fragile ecosystems and wildlife.

In a resolution offered by Governor M.J. "Mike" Foster, Jr. of Louisiana, the governors urged the federal government to share 50-percent of the revenues collected from off-shore oil and gas development on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) with the states. Right now, one hundred percent of the revenues collected from off-shore oil and gas drilling is sent to the U.S. Treasury, though revenues from on-shore drilling is split with the state in which it occurs. The governors resolution calls for the federal government to share those moneys with the states to fund programs to restore the coasts, finance the Land and Water Conservation Fund, protect wildlife and preserve historic places. Legislation, known as the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA), has been introduced in Congress to do just that.

"More than 35 years ago, Congress pledged to dedicate OCS revenues to protect the environment and our historic places," said Governor Foster. "It is time for Congress to keep its promise."

The House Resources Committee recently approved the House-version of CARA (H.R. 701) by a vote of 29-12 on July 12, 2001. The House sponsors of the bill, Congressman Don Young (R-Alaska) and George Miller (D-Calif.), hope to move the bill to the House floor this fall.

Founded in 1934, the Southern Governors' Association is the oldest and historically largest of the regional governors' associations. The mission of SGA is to support the work of the governors by providing a bipartisan, regional forum to help shape and implement national policy and to solve state and regional problems. The association's membership is composed of the governors of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia and West Virginia.