CEA:“Use It or Lose It” Legislation Wrong Approach; Access to Domestic Energy Resources Needed
WASHINGTON – Following a press conference today by Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) to announce new “Use It or Lose It” legislation for oil and gas drilling leases, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) President David Holt released the following statement:
“Instead of lawmakers focusing on pointless legislation that will not alleviate the skyrocketing gas pump prices for Americans, CEA instead urges the federal government to end the ‘permit freeze’ in the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska and take affirmative steps to encourage the production of our domestic oil supplies. With estimates suggesting that total U.S. oil production will decline by 13 percent in 2011, our leaders need to instead consider the benefits of thoughtfully and safely exploring America’s offshore areas for the sake of our national security and independence from foreign energy sources.”
“It is especially ironic that Senators Menendez and Nelson would introduce ‘Use It or Lose It’ legislation at a time when the energy industry and the American people are begging our political leaders to issue permits to develop our abundant natural resources. According to the latest Gallup poll, fully 60 percent of American consumers want to develop our oil and gas resources now to alleviate the pain they are feeling at the pump. Industry is ready, but our leaders in Washington continue a clear pattern of delay.”
