WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., today commented on President Bush's call for lifting the moratorium on oil and gas production off much of the United States coast.

Sen. Landrieu said:

"President Bush's attempt today to expand energy production off our coasts is very welcome, and is a wise position he should have taken earlier in the seven years we've been pushing this White House to get engaged.

"Louisiana has been at the forefront of offshore innovation since the first U.S. platform was built off Creole, Louisiana, in 1938. We understand how essential a vibrant domestic energy sector is to our national security and to stabilizing energy prices.

"But when we urged lifting the nation's ban on such production while there was a real possibility to act, this Administration's courage could not be found. When we sought to incentivize homeland production by giving coastal states the same fair share of revenues that onshore states receive, this President was opposed. Only once we cut our share and delayed the bulk of it for a decade did President Bush tender his signature.

"I am encouraged by the President's new stance, however, and stand ready to work to champion the cause in the Senate -- as I have every day since I was first elected here.

"I intend to immediately reintroduce my legislation to allow states to opt-in to offshore production and share in the revenues. I hope President Bush is prepared to move beyond rhetoric and work with me to build the coalition we will need to get the job done."