Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 28, 1995 TAG: 9506290002
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
At the same time, Republicans from coastal states joined Democrats in preserving the 13-year-old moratorium on oil and gas drilling off most of America's coasts from New England to California. Earlier, a subcommittee had voted to scuttle the drilling ban.
``These areas are very fragile. They're breeding grounds for shrimp and fish,'' said Rep. Bill Young, R-Fla., arguing that lifting the ban would endanger fishing and tourism industries.
By a 33-20 vote, the panel voted to keep the moratorium that has been in effect since 1982.
But there was no such about-face on other controversial issues in the legislation that provides money for the Interior Department and a number of related agencies, as the panel endorsed deep cuts in Interior's environmental and research programs.
Approved by a voice vote, the spending bill would bar the department from listing any new species as endangered and restrict its scientists from doing research into species and habitat protection.
The panel cut money for Interior's science programs from $166 million to $112 million and scuttled the National Biological Service, which Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt created to consolidate scientific research programs.
The fledgling agency was melded into the U.S. Geological Survey and barred from engaging in scientific research on private land, even if landowners agreed to participate. Republicans have criticized the National Biological Service for more than a year, fearing it would be used to broaden the Endangered Species Act.
``We want to tighten up the way information is sought,'' said Rep. Ralph Regula, R-Ohio, whose subcommittee crafted the bill.
The bill now goes to the House floor, where action is likely shortly after Congress returns from its July 4 recess. In other areas, the legislation would:
Slash 40 percent of the funding for the national endowments for the arts and humanities. The National Endowment for the Arts' budget would be cut from $134 million to $82 million.
Delete most National Park Service funds for land acquisition, while cutting park construction by nearly a third.
Cut by 40 percent energy conservation programs, including Energy Department programs into research on fuel cells for electric vehicles and more energy-efficient buildings and appliances.
Eliminate the Bureau of Mines.
by CNB