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JUNE 13, 2001

Arctic drilling opponent Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) is now head of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources but that doesn't mean he'll oppose oil and gas development off the coast of Florida.

The state's Senators, one Republican and one Democrat, oppose drilling off the state's coast. Governor Jeb Bush (R), President Bush's older brother, also doesn't want drilling to take place, as state citizens support a moratorium.

But the Interior Department, and now Bingaman, say the mororatorium does not apply more than 100 miles off shore. A provision in Bingaman's energy bill includes a lease sale 100 miles south of the Florida Panhandle.

Bingaman Backs Fla. Offshore Drilling Plan (AP 6/13)