House approves oil drilling ban off Atlantic, Pacific coasts

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has approved legislation that would permanently bar drilling off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and extend a moratorium on drilling off Florida’s west coast.
Lawmakers approved the bans in separate votes Wednesday. The Atlantic and Pacific measure was approved 238-189, while the bill to block drilling in the Gulf of Mexico near Florida was approved 248-180.
Coastal lawmakers from both parties say the bills will protect U.S. coasts from drilling that can p