Peterson: Congress Takes First Step
.S. Representative John E. Peterson, R-Pa., issued the following statement after the House of Representatives approved legislation that will fund the Federal government through March 6, 2009 and abolishes the long standing congressional moratorium on offshore energy production:
“Seven years ago, when I began the fight to open up our vast offshore energy reserves, I could count on one hand the number of supporters. As the days and years passed, the American people began to understand this issue and realized that the United States Congress was the number one obstacle impeding the expansion of domestic energy production. Today their voices were heard.
“While this is a huge victory for the American people, there is still much that needs to be accomplished. Congress needs to create an environment where scientists and entrepreneurs can work together and create next generation energy sources like coal-to-liquids, coal-to-gas, and the reprocessing of nuclear waste so we can end our dependence on imported oil and transition to a clean energy future.
“Opening the outer continual shelf (OCS) to energy exploration is a critical step in a long process that will enable America to become OPEC independent. Coupled with increased refining capacity, litigation reform, and streamlining the permitting process, America can achieve energy security, halt the export of wealth and create millions of good paying, family sustaining jobs.
“Affordable and reliable energy is a fundamental right that the American people can never again be deprived. In the coming years it is of the utmost importance that Members of Congress continue to work across the aisle and find reasonable and effective solutions to the energy crisis.”
The continuing resolution will provide funding for the Federal government to operate through March 6, 2009 with the Department’s of Defense, Homeland Security, and Veterans Affairs being funded through the entire fiscal year. The CR provides an additional $5.1 billion for low income heating assistance, $25 billion in loan guarantees for Detroit auto makers to transition to more efficient vehicles and $23 billion in disaster funding for states ravaged by natural disaster this year. The measure also provides $1 billion for wildfire fighting and suppression which significantly hinder the forest service’s budget.
“Seven years ago, when I began the fight to open up our vast offshore energy reserves, I could count on one hand the number of supporters. As the days and years passed, the American people began to understand this issue and realized that the United States Congress was the number one obstacle impeding the expansion of domestic energy production. Today their voices were heard.
“While this is a huge victory for the American people, there is still much that needs to be accomplished. Congress needs to create an environment where scientists and entrepreneurs can work together and create next generation energy sources like coal-to-liquids, coal-to-gas, and the reprocessing of nuclear waste so we can end our dependence on imported oil and transition to a clean energy future.
“Opening the outer continual shelf (OCS) to energy exploration is a critical step in a long process that will enable America to become OPEC independent. Coupled with increased refining capacity, litigation reform, and streamlining the permitting process, America can achieve energy security, halt the export of wealth and create millions of good paying, family sustaining jobs.
“Affordable and reliable energy is a fundamental right that the American people can never again be deprived. In the coming years it is of the utmost importance that Members of Congress continue to work across the aisle and find reasonable and effective solutions to the energy crisis.”
The continuing resolution will provide funding for the Federal government to operate through March 6, 2009 with the Department’s of Defense, Homeland Security, and Veterans Affairs being funded through the entire fiscal year. The CR provides an additional $5.1 billion for low income heating assistance, $25 billion in loan guarantees for Detroit auto makers to transition to more efficient vehicles and $23 billion in disaster funding for states ravaged by natural disaster this year. The measure also provides $1 billion for wildfire fighting and suppression which significantly hinder the forest service’s budget.
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