Maine opposes offshore drilling plan

WASHINGTON (AP) - Maine's congressional delegation unanimously opposes President Bush's plan to allow expanded offshore oil drilling. Democratic Congressman Tom Allen says he's opposed lifting the ban on oil drilling in the Gulf of Maine. He says it won't provide relief from soaring fuel prices, but would threaten the Georges Bank fishing grounds. Fellow Democratic Congressman Mike Michaud says he supports increased domestic oil production. But he adds that the push to overturn the offshore drilling ban is simply a diversion from what the United States should have been doing for years -- investing in alternative energy and promoting energy efficiency. Republican Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins also oppose drilling in the Gulf of Maine. Collins says it would harm the fishing industry, which is already struggling. Snowe says additional drilling should be part of a comprehensive plan, but only while protecting fishing resources. (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)