Pelosi agrees to hear case for offshore drilling

WASHINGTON - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said yesterday that expanded oil drilling in federal waters could be included in a broader energy bill if advocates can prove its effectiveness as a solution to America's energy problems.

In a television interview yesterday, Pelosi said the oil industry and its allies in Congress also would have to agree to pay royalties on oil profits to fund the development of renewable energy resources.

The California Democrat, has previously expressed outright opposition to expanded offshore drilling. Yesterday she said offshore drilling should be discussed but she does not believe it is a workable solution in the short run.

Appearing on NBC's "Meet the Press" yesterday, Pelosi, criticized President Bush and other Republicans for presenting offshore drilling as an answer to the current rise in US gasoline prices. She said it would not affect prices for a decade and then only by a small degree.

"I don't think that's a good alternative. But if they can prove that it is, and they want to pay royalties to the taxpayer . . . then we have something to talk about," she said.

"I'm prepared to preside over legislation that will take a comprehensive approach," she said.