Washington, DC - Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-4) today announced her support for the Comprehensive American Energy Security & Consumer Protection Act, which responsibly opens up additional offshore areas for drilling with oil companies footing the bill instead of taxpayers.

“This is absolutely the right response and a strong contrast to the drill-only Republican bill, which is more of the same Bush-Cheney energy policy written by and for the oil companies,” Congresswoman McCollum said.

The Comprehensive American Energy Security & Consumer Protection Act will roll back oil industry tax breaks in a time of record oil company profits and require oil companies to pay royalties already owed to taxpayers; invest in wind, solar and natural gas, 21st century energy sources to create Minnesota jobs; responsibly open up additional offshore areas for drilling with oil companies footing the bill instead of taxpayers; and release oil from the government’s stockpile to bring down gas prices.

The home-grown and American-owned policy is phase two in the major steps this Congress is taking to secure America’s energy future.  Last year, Congress passed and the President signed historic energy legislation with provisions to combat oil market manipulation, increase vehicle fuel efficiency to 35 miles per gallon in 2020 – the first Congressional increase in more than three decades – and promote the use of more affordable American biofuels.

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-4) serves on the Appropriations Committee and the Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

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