So Alexander is wants to take over a third of the oil/gas royalties for beaches and education if oil companies are allowed to drill off he coast?
Go to the Dept. of Interior web site and search for oil/gas leases. The Fed is taking in billions now and holds auctions every month on the 15% permitted for drilling now.
All of that goes into the general fund.

While that allows more oil to come out of the ground it does nothing to refine it. Instead of wasting the royalties on feel good spending why not mandate the royalties be used to build new refineries on abandoned military bases and other federal land accompanied by waivers so it doesn't take 7-9 years to bring a refinery on line. Because without refining capacity we could be awash in oil but have not gas.

Politicians just can't stop earmarking funds for these touchy feely unconstitutional federal programs!

I Lamar is trying to bribe the coastal states to vote for opening up some reserves. But 50 miles out is beyond Virginia's jurisdiction. I would guess if the VA Congressional delegation wants to remain in office that they open up the shelf to drilling to keep gas from going to $15/gal and a loaf of bread $20. That's all the incentive they need because more than anything politicians want to stay in office and power.