Rep. Hastings pledges to take up offshore drilling revenue-sharing bill

“Today only a few select states receive revenue sharing from OCS activities,” he continued. “This committee will be working to reform OCS revenues to ensure that there is fair treatment to all states that produce oil and gas in the OCS.”

Louisiana and other Gulf of Mexico states, under a 2006 law, receive a share of leasing bids and royalties from Gulf development. But much of it doesn’t kick-in until 2017.

Alaskan officials want revenue sharing expanded to include their state. Advocates say revenue sharing would also give states where offshore drilling isn’t currently allowed, such as Virginia, an incentive to push for development.

Hastings made his remarks in the context of floor debate on H.R. 1229 and H.R. 1230. The House on Thursday was expected to pass H.R. 1230, the Restarting American Offshore Leasing Now Act.

— This story was updated at 12:15 p.m.