DeGette Hails Passage of Major Energy Bill to Prevent Future Oil Disasters and Improve Drilling Safety

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) voted for legislation that will not only hold BP and other responsible parties accountable, but will also prevent such disasters from occurring in the future. The CLEAR Act (Consolidated Land, Energy and Aquatic Resources Act), passed tonight by the U.S. House of Representatives, establishes new safety measures, ensures taxpayers will not shoulder the burden of the clean-up costs, and strengthens oversight and regulation of the oil and gas industry. It includes provisions designed to help restore the natural beauty and economy of the Gulf Coast.

"With this vote, I am proud to extend a hand to those families affected by the crisis in the Gulf, as well as take steps to make sure that nothing like this ever happens again," said DeGette. "While nothing can turn back the clock and undo the environmental and economic damage of the last 100 days, this legislation protects taxpayers from footing BP's bill and ensures that in the future, the oil and gas industry will be held to a higher standard of safety and responsibility than they are under the current broken system."

As part of the strong safety measures created by the bill, oil and gas companies would be required to submit critical equipment for independent safety certification. It also divides the revenue collection and inspection functions at the former Minerals Management Service to prevent conflicts of interest in regulating off-shore drilling, and provides long overdue taxpayer protections to ensure the industry pays their fair share for drilling and production on federal lands. It was brought to the floor of the House alongside legislation that provided protection for workers who report offshore violations to state or federal authorities. Finally, it holds BP accountable for its actions, establishing strong guidelines that will require the company to fully, and quickly, pay for cleanup costs and economic recovery.

"When I visited the Gulf Coast in early June I saw first-hand what the oil spill had done to the local economy and environment," said DeGette. "Individuals and small businesses that rely on tourism, fishing, or other outdoor resources on the Gulf are struggling to make ends meet, and this bill is designed to make sure they receive all they are entitled to, while simultaneously shielding the taxpayers from shouldering the burden. This bill holds BP accountable for its carelessness and provides relief for millions of hardworking American families."