FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2009
Contact:
Patrick Creighton, 202.870.0850
Laura Henderson, 202.621.2951
IER: Rahall Bill a Continuation of Failed Energy Policies From Washington
‘Energy’ hearing to focus on extending de facto offshore energy production ban,
New bill will increase foreign energy dependence
Washington, DC – Prior to part one of a two-day hearing on H.R. 3534, The Consolidated Land, Energy, and Aquatic Resources (CLEAR) Act of 2009, Thomas J. Pyle, president of the Institute for Energy Research (IER), a free market energy think tank, issued this statement:
“It’s been over a year since Washington responded to the will of the American people and finally put to rest restrictions on responsible offshore energy exploration. While this action was long overdue, and was certainly a positive first step toward restoring proper balance in our national energy policy, unfortunately, one year later, it seems as though last year’s actions were merely a gesture.
“In fact, legislation like the CLEAR Act would actually move our nation further away from being able to safely and effectively develop our offshore energy resources, adding even more red tape, costs, and burdensome regulations to the safe practice of producing energy offshore. The creation of new bureaucracies to manage leasing at the Interior Department – which is called for in Mr. Rahall’s bill – is a direct attempt to ensure that a de facto ban on much of America’s energy remains intact. The American people do not want more government – they want more of the energy that is rightfully theirs.
“And while China invests in oil sands projects in Canada, and Russia, Brazil, Venezuela, and Cuba continue to expand energy production offshore, America – the country that discovered oil 150 years ago – remains on the sidelines. The rest of the world gets it, and the American people understand that increasing energy production here at home will create jobs, help stabilize energy prices and drive down imports. And yet, our leaders stand in the way of securing energy and mineral resources at every turn, putting special interests who oppose the energy the fuels our economy in front of the interests of the American people.”
More from IER:
Interactive Dashboard: Where’s our offshore energy production?
Fact Sheet: Offshore Energy Exploration: Myth vs. Fact
Press Release: China, Russia, Cuba, Brazil Advance Robust, Supply-Focused Energy Policy
Blog:Two Energy Futures
The Institute for Energy Research (IER) is a not-for-profit organization that conducts intensive research and analysis on the functions, operations, and government regulation of global energy markets. IER maintains that freely-functioning energy markets provide the most efficient and effective solutions to today’s global energy and environmental challenges and, as such, are critical to the well-being of individuals and society.
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