CEA: President Pursues Every Energy Option Except Access to Domestic Energy Resources
WASHINGTON – Following President Barack Obama’s remarks today on America’s energy security and the testimony presented this morning by Michael Bromwich, director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) on the President’s FY 2012 Budget Proposal at the House Natural Resources Committee, Michael Whatley, executive vice president of the Consumer Energy Alliance released the following statement:
“Despite gasoline pump prices approaching $4.00 per gallon nationwide and millions of Americans still out of work, statements made today by BOEMRE Director Michael Bromwich indicate that this Administration will pursue just about every option except domestic oil and gas production to relieve us from our foreign oil dependence. Though Director Bromwich denies that his agency’s policies have produced a “de facto moratorium”, the pattern of obstruction is clear: In 2006, the U.S. Department of Interior approved 381 permits; in 2009, 170; in 2010, 104; and in 2011, 20. We urge the Administration to reexamine their policies regarding Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) exploration and development, and meaningfully embrace accelerated permitting that will allow the offshore industry to go back to work in the Gulf of Mexico and beyond.”
