WASHINGTON, May 11 (UPI) -- The Obama administration said it opposes a U.S. House bill that would increase the area available for offshore, deep-water drilling leases.
"The administration is committed to promoting safe and responsible domestic oil and gas production as part of a broad energy strategy that will protect consumers and reduce our dependence on foreign oil," the Office of Management and Budget said Wednesday in a statement. "The administration opposes H.R. 1231, which would undermine and circumvent the transparent public process for determining which new areas are appropriate to lease."