Associated Press
 
February 8, 2010
 
SALEM, Ore. -- The Oregon House has voted to extend a ban on drilling for oil and gas off Oregon's coast for the next decade.
 
The vote Monday was 38-21. The bill goes to the Senate.
 
A state moratorium on drilling expired in January. The state has regulatory power to three miles out. Beyond that, the federal government is in charge of drilling regulation.
 
Backers of the bill say there are no plans for drilling, but the state should take precautions to protect the beauty of the coastline and its fishing economies.
 
Sport and commercial fishing groups supported a permanent ban on drilling. But some legislators wanted a briefer moratorium, and they worked out a compromise for a 10-year extension.