Gov. applauds vote backing oil bill

Associated Press

Updated: Feb 3, 2012 6:07 AM

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Gov. Bob McDonnell says he's pleased a U.S. House committee is backing legislation to open waters off Virginia to oil and energy exploration.

McDonnell pointed to the bipartisan approval of the legislation, which moved ahead this week before the House Natural Resources Committee.

The governor has been sharply critical of the Obama administration for delaying the opening this year of East Coast waters to exploration following the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster.

McDonnell says a 2010 study estimated that oil and natural gas exploration off Virginia would create 1,900 jobs and generate billions in new government revenues.

He advocates an "all-of-the-above" approach as an energy policy.

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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