Bush seeks to end offshore drilling ban

WASHINGTON, June 18 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush plans a campaign to convince Congress to lift a ban on offshore oil drilling, White House sources told The New York Times.

The newspaper said that, prompted by $4-per-gallon gasoline and an unwillingness to end his presidency in the midst of an energy crisis, Bush will ask lawmakers to repeal a ban instituted by his father, President George H. W. Bush, in 1990, on drilling in certain offshore areas. Experts estimate 16 billion barrels of oil could be produced from areas covered by the moratorium.

The move would also squarely interject Bush into the presidential campaign, since presumptive Republican nominee Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., Tuesday called for an end to the drilling moratorium, as did a possible Republican vice presidential choice, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist.

Democrats have been staunchly opposed to allowing more offshore oil drilling, even though they want to reduce dependence on foreign oil.

The Times said Bush's drilling proposals would involve working with state governors whose coastlines would be affected, but some of them are opposed to the idea. One such is California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who told the newspaper he isn't likely to change his anti-drilling stance.