Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act of 2006

The Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act of 2006 (H.R. 4761) was designed to significantly expand oil and natural gas leasing on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) by giving coastal states more control over energy development off their shores. The bill would have allowed states to decide whether to permit drilling within 100 miles of their coastline and provided them with a substantial share of the federal revenues generated from those leases.

For everyday citizens, the bill aimed to lower energy costs by increasing domestic production and provided a new stream of funding for state and local projects. These funds could be used for a variety of public benefits, including reducing in-state college tuition, cutting taxes, improving transportation infrastructure, and supporting coastal restoration efforts. Additionally, the legislation sought to streamline the environmental review process for energy projects and established new grant programs to support research into alternative energy sources like ocean waves and geothermal power.