Last week I sent a letter to Speaker Pelosi and the entire Democratic leadership urging them to strongly consider taking a bi-partisan, comprehensive approach to solving our energy problem. This letter stated that Congress must overcome the rancor and extreme partisanship which has marked the energy debate thus far in order to address the true policy concerns of the American people.
I urged them to allow debate and votes on legislation to increase domestic energy production, including the opening of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and Outer Continental Shelf. This legislation should not be blocked from consideration in favor of harmful efforts to increase taxes and stifle production on existing leases.
I have consistently voted against proposals to raise taxes on domestic energy producers because as we face tightening resources and soaring demand we should encourage production, not punish it. Our nation should pursue a path that encourages production of current leases while at the same time opens additional on- and off-shore areas for exploration and production.
Furthermore, I have called on Speaker Pelosi to allow genuine debate and a vote on this issue because I believe we should utilize domestic energy resources to the greatest extent possible, and we cannot know exactly what domestic resources are available if we do not allow this to happen. Additionally, recent polls show that a majority of Americans, as well as a growing number of Representatives, support this policy.
Recent “use it or lose it” proposals to shorten lease agreements and increase fees on federal lands are counter-productive. Shorter leases and increased fees will not act as an incentive for production; they will drive the independent producers, who own two-thirds of Gulf of Mexico leases, out of business and send exploration and production overseas, leaving us more and more reliant on foreign energy supplied by national oil companies. Instead, Congress should provide incentives to independent and small energy companies and focus on creating energy and manufacturing jobs and training the next generation of technicians and engineers.
Through my work with the House Center Aisle Caucus I have led efforts to work beyond partisan boundaries so that Congress can provide the leadership and solutions that you expect and deserve. I believe that we will not be able to accomplish anything, let alone lead our nation to energy independence, if we are unable to have a civil debate and are unwilling to allow all options on the table.
Our nation’s growing energy needs cannot be fully met with either fossil fuels or alternative fuels, and we risk jeopardizing our economy, foreign policy, national security, and our environment if we do not recognize this. Fossil fuels remain an important part of any viable, overall energy strategy for America and will for the foreseeable future. I will continue to push for a comprehensive, bi-partisan solution that will enable our nation to become energy independent, sustain our economy, and protect our Earth.
posted by KenTX 
