N.J. resisting idea of offshore oil wells

Following a history of being poor public servants with mixed priorities, some politicians are trying to sell the public on off-shore drilling.

They are likely aware of better solutions, but the issue is this: the other solutions won't line the pockets of oil companies.

This may be the perfect example of why lifting a longstanding congressional moratorium on offshore drilling and leaving it to a state by state basis could be a good thing.

How many states have an offshore and how many of those states want that drilling in their own back yard?

I am in no way advocating for drilling but this looks like one way to start using the system we have to start locking down the drilling.

"The House of Representatives passed legislation on Tuesday lifting a longstanding congressional moratorium on offshore drilling.

The extensive energy package introduced by Democrats would give states the option to allow drilling between 50 and 100 miles off their shores. Areas more than 100 miles from the coast would be completely open to oil exploration and drilling.

In addition to drilling, the bill requires the government to sell 70 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. It also provides tax credits for renewable energy and energy efficiency that would be funded by repealing some tax breaks for the oil industry. "

No drilling. I will support clean energy only. Oust everyone from congress who is owned by oil.

New Jersey is a state completely "energy independent" from the rest of the USA because of its own oil reserves and solar energy utilization?

If so, please spread this philosophy as a "how to" proposition for the "other 49ers" to get with it.

NJ has solar. We don't need to drill to assauge the oil lust of those with no vision and the political rhetoric of those just fishing for votes. Stand strong NJ. Our beaches are in need if conservaton, not drilling to give in to the desires of a few who want nothing but to destroy our environment while filling their own pockets... matter of fact, it will take seven to ten years to even get any of it to market, and we don't even know for sure if it wouldn't simply be sold to Asian markets. It wouldn't be the first time this government has lied to us.

Solar and wind. NO DRILLING!

Have ya ever driven into New Jersey...they shoulda taken care a long time ago.

I, for one, have no problem with this. If New Jersey residents want to secure oil from OPEC, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, or Texas. Let them live with their decision. Just put your own refineries on your turf as well.

I wish every state took control of their own energy destinies and let the best state win.

Example is the best teacher.