Rogers Amendment Leaves Great Lakes Fate Up To States, Open to Drilling

WASHINGTON – Today before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) offered an amendment that would have permanently banned oil and gas drilling in and under the Great Lakes. A bi-partisan group of Great Lakes region Members of the Energy and Commerce Committee, including Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph), spoke in support of the Stupak amendment.   Unfortunately, Congressman Mike Rogers (R-Brighton) undermined that amendment in favor of a watered-down version that rendered the Stupak amendment meaningless.

“We need a hard and fast rule that says at no place or time should the drilling for oil and gas in and under the Great Lakes be allowed,” Stupak said. “However, just like the Republicans did with the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Mike Rogers has opened the door for drilling and the destruction of the Great Lakes.” 

In a procedural maneuver, Rogers amended the Stupak amendment thereby removing the meat of Stupak’s amendment.

 “Mike Rogers’ amendment is a watered down and toothless attempt to pretend that he cares about protecting our Great Lakes.  In reality, it does nothing to stop drilling in the Great Lakes,” Stupak said.  “What the Rogers amendment does, is to leave drilling policies up to the eight Great Lakes States and their legislatures.  We could have eight different policies on drilling under the lakes thanks to Mike Rogers.” 

Stupak vowed to continue his efforts to ban drilling in and under the Great Lakes.  “This fight is not over.  I will take my amendment to the House Rules Committee and try to pass the amendment when the bill comes before the full House for consideration,” Stupak concluded.

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