Oregon Public Broadcasting

The three west coast governors have reiterated their opposition to offshore oil drilling.

President Bush recently lifted a ban on the practice, though Congress would still have to sign off before any new wells are drilled.

Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski vowed to fight drilling as part of a three-state ocean health agreement announced Tuesday.

Kulongoski says he expects west coast members of Congress to respect the Governors’ wishes.

Ted Kulongoski: “We have all signed a combined letter that said no offshore drilling.  And I think that’s going to be a very, very strong statement when you have the three west coast states all joining together saying no.”

It’s unclear how much demand there is for starting new oil wells off the shores of Oregon and Washington.  But prospects are better in California. That’s where Republican presidential candidate John McCain renewed his call Monday to drill new oil wells off the coast.