Nye now favors drilling and revenues to state; dismisses Drake’s press conference

We posted on Aug. 4 that Virginia Beach Democrat Glenn Nye and challenger to Rep. Thelma Drake (VA-2) had released his energy strategy. In his plan, Nye stated he was in favor of:

“More drilling on lands now leased to oil companies, more regulation on oil speculators, and more investment in alternative energy.

“[Nye also] said he is not opposed to lifting the congressional moratorium on new offshore drilling sites but said there should be no drilling off Virginia’s coast unless the Navy approves it.”

However, in May, Nye said “I do not believe that drilling off the coast of Virginia is good policy”.

Yesterday, Rep. Thelma Drake held a press conference that touted her bipartisan bill, which may be pushed aside in lieu of Speaker Pelosi’s proposal. Her bill gives the states, especially Virginia, a say in where the drilling is allowed and a share of the revenue. She asked yesterday how Glenn Nye would vote, since he’s been both for and against drilling for oil.

According to WNIS 790AM this morning, the Nye camp is said to be in favor of states having a share in the revenue.

I asked via email the Nye camp for further clarification.

“No one’s ever saved a penny on gas because a politician held a press conference. Our Representative should go up to Washington and work to make sure our citizens get what they need—lower gas prices and a sound energy policy,” wrote Rick Fromberg, Nye’s campaign manager. “Our Representative should focus on getting things done for our district, not hold a press conference about whose name is on what bill. That will be Glenn Nye’s approach.”