06/05/2007

Associated Press

A ban on offshore drilling for gas, oil or sulfur up to three miles off the Oregon Coast until 2010 passed the House 47-11 Monday and goes to Gov. Ted Kulongoski.

Senate Bill 790 makes exceptions for scientific research, academic research or geological survey activities.

It would allow the governor to lift the moratorium if he determines an oil embargo "substantially affects the supply of oil to the United States."

A similar offshore drilling moratorium expired in 1995.

"It was believed that the threat of offshore drilling had passed," said Rep. Deborah Boone, D-Cannon Beach.

There are no such projects in the works, Boone said. But there are rumblings and Boone described the reinstatement of a moratorium a "preventive measure."

The bill passed the Senate 19-7 last month.