Buchanan proposes freeze on drilling permits

U.S. Rep Vern Buchanan last week introduced legislation to impose a moratorium on all deepwater drilling permits for both new and existing oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.

The legislation would freeze permits until a congressional investigation determines the cause of the explosion of Deepwater Horizon.

“It is shocking and unacceptable that federal officials are still granting permits, even in the aftermath of this disaster,” Buchanan said. “We need to stop issuing permits, new or otherwise, and focus on plugging the hole and cleaning up this environmental catastrophe.

The Deepwater Horizon oil rig has been leaking oil since it exploded April 20.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].