Committee Rejects Off-Shore Drillinig
Today, in an attempt to lower the price at the pump and bring stability to the economy, Congressman John E. Peterson (R-PA), offered an amendment to the Interior Department spending bill that would increase domestic production of oil and natural gas offshore. The amendment, which would have lifted the Congressional Moratorium on offshore energy production between 50 and 200 miles, was defeated along a party line vote with six Republicans supporting American made energy and nine Democrats voting to keep American resources locked up. Congressmen Peterson vowed to bring the amendment up again at the earliest opportunity, stating "All is not lost. Today's vote was a clear indication of where nine Democrats and six Republicans stand on increasing American made energy. This amendment would have made available 86 billion barrels of oil and 420 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Folks, this is the equivalent of 35 years of imported oil from OPEC. Rest assured, I will offer this amendment again and I expect that in time, the majority of House Democrats and Republicans will find the courage to do what is right for the American people and unlock these deep sea resources."
Our national associations actively work in favor of this provision and IFCA is a member of the Agriculture Energy Alliance, participating in correspondence urging more exploration and drilling for American energy resources.