FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, November 3, 2005

Isakson Votes to Strengthen Environmental Protection
Along Energy-Producing Coastal Areas
Would Protect Coastal Areas That Are Helping U.S. Become Less Dependent on Foreign Oil  

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) today voted for an amendment that would have used excess funds to protect coastal areas where energy is being produced to help the United States become less dependent on foreign energy sources. The amendment passed the Senate today by a voice vote during the debate on the Deficit Reduction Act.                       

The amendment would provide up to $1.2 billion in assistance over four years to the six coastal energy producing states: Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Alaska and California. The state of Georgia also would be eligible for the funds if it is given the ability to opt out of the moratorium on oil and gas production in the Outer Continental Shelf.

"Given our dependence on foreign energy in this country, it is critical for us to consider the development of our untapped domestic energy supplies,” Isakson said. “These funds would help Georgia utilize its energy resources while providing environmental as well as aesthetic protection.”       

The funds would be offset in the federal budget by excess proceeds from the upcoming government auction of spectrum bandwidth, which is the analog transmission frequencies of broadcasters.

The measure authorizes funds to be used for the conservation, protection and restoration of coastal areas and wetlands; the mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife and other natural resources; and the implementation of federally-approved marine, coastal and other conservation management plans. Coastal parishes, counties and boroughs, would receive 35 percent of each state's share.

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