(Washington, DC) - Congressman Wally Herger today issued the following statement in support of President Bush’s decision to lift an executive ban on offshore drilling:

“I applaud President Bush for his decision regarding one of the most pressing domestic issues facing America today.  We need to take immediate action to combat skyrocketing energy prices, and while there is no overnight solution, starting to increase domestic energy production will benefit us greatly in the long-term.  The United States is the only nation in the world that restricts offshore energy development and 85% of our resources have been placed off limits. 

“But the President’s decision alone will not spur increased production – Congress must lift the legislative ban on offshore exploration.  As a longtime supporter of environmentally-safe oil exploration off of our coasts, I am frustrated that the Democratic Leadership in Congress continues to stand idly by while these high energy costs continue to affect all Americans.  I will continue to urge Members of Congress to take substantive action and remove our self-imposed embargo on American energy production.”

Note:  There are two prohibitions on offshore drilling, one imposed by Congress and another by executive order.  In order to allow offshore drilling, Congress must remove its prohibition as well.  Congressman Herger has joined with House Republicans in attempting to use procedural methods that would force Congress to take an up-or-down vote on increasing domestic energy production.  You can read more about those efforts here.