Schwarzenegger Bucks Call To Tap Offshore Oil, Prefers Alternative Fuels

San Francisco, CA (AHN) - California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger opposed the lifting of a moratorium on the drilling of oil off coastal states, saying Wednesday that alternative fuels are the answers to the high fuel price.

Responding to the call of President Bush and presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain to allow offshore drilling to cut the country's dependence on Middle East crude oil, Schwarzenegger told USNews.com, "The direction our nation needs to go in, and where California is already headed, is toward greater innovation in new technologies and new fuel choices for consumers. That is the way we will ultimately reduce fuel costs and also protect our environment."

Schwarzenegger, a Republican, said he supports the development of alternative fuels and vowed to prevent any new offshore drilling along California's coast.

His statement followed calls by Bush for Congress to allow offshore oil drilling to increase domestic energy production and eventually help American families cope with the rising gasoline price. "Families across the country are looking to Washington for a response," Bush was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.

Bush said modern offshore oil exploration technology will not harm coral reefs and habitats.