In the Senate's deliberation on national energy policy (S. 2166), consideration was given to implementing a longer-term moratorium on offshore oil and gas drilling in the nation's ecologically sensitive Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Environmentalists argue that the nation's energy needs cannot and should not be met by increased drilling at the expense of fragile marine ecosystems. Florida's coastline, in particular, has become a key battleground in the offshore drilling debate.

Senator Bob Graham (D-FL) offered an amendment to the energy bill to provide for a moratorium through January 1, 2000 for new offshore leasing anywhere off the coast of Florida. The Graham amendment would also have required repurchase of existing oil and gas leases off the Florida Keys and Everglades from the oil companies.

The vote is on Senator Bennett Johnston's (D-LA) weakening amendment, which did not include protection for the coasts of southern Florida. Senator Johnston's amendment also substantially undermined the repurchase provisions. The Johnston amendment was adopted 53-45 on February 19, 1992. NO is the pro-environment vote.