Virginia turns to off-coast drilling for Natural Gas

I know this is the California Energy Blog, but sometimes what happens in other states should get our attention. For example, Virginia is looking to permit the offshore exploration of Natural Gas:

Of the many bills awaiting Gov. Mark Warner's signature by midnight Tuesday [March 29] is one that would urge a return to offshore natural gas exploration along Virginia's coast.

The bill got scant attention during the General Assembly, but it easily cleared the Senate in a 37-0 vote, and the House of Delegates 54-43. The bill directs state officials to ask Virginia's congressional delegation to push for an exemption to the federal moratorium on offshore natural gas exploration.

It's the first step, some environmentalists and beach town officials argue, toward drilling and possible oil spills that could have devastating economic and environmental consequences.

"Although this bill supports natural gas development, if they drill and find oil, we know the drilling will not be limited to only gas," said Michael Town, director of the Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club.

Virginia would become the first state to seek an exemption from the federal moratorium, he said. Congress enacted the moratorium on oil and gas exploration and drilling in 1982. It covers both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and part of the Gulf of Mexico.

"We're the first one," Town said. "We wouldn't be surprised if another state tries the same thing."

Opponents of building liquefied natural gas receiving terminals in California claim that there is enough supply to meet demand. If so, why are so many clamoring for Natural Gas around the nation?!?

I would think OFFSHORE DRILLING is a greater political football than liquefied natural gas, and if the coastal communities were forced to choose...well.