For Immediate Release
June 18, 2008
Media Contact: Ray Yonkura
(202) 225-2676
Jordan Signs Discharge Petition to
Expand Domestic Energy Exploration
Washington, DC -- Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Urbana) has joined several House colleagues in signing a discharge petition calling for an immediate up-or-down vote on H.R. 3089, the No More Excuses Energy Act, which is designed to expand domestic production and refinery capacity of oil and gas.
“America needs a plan that will lower prices and put us on the path toward energy independence,” Jordan said. “This bill provides incentives for new American oil refineries, expanded exploration in ANWR (the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge) and under federal lands and water, while promoting investments in renewable energy sources. It takes the question of ‘where should we look for new energy’ and answers it ‘all of the above.’”
Jordan decided that the discharge petition was necessary because of months of inaction on the issue by congressional leadership. He said he planned to sign similar petitions calling for votes on other energy bills as well.
Jordan noted that the U.S. is the only nation to place most of its known oil reserves off-limits to exploration. He added that the Departments of Energy and Interior estimate that total American energy resources currently off-limits contain enough oil and natural gas to replace OPEC imports for more than 50 years.
“Congress always seems to find time for pointless exercises like naming post offices and holding hearings on steroid use in baseball, but can’t seem to find time for an up-or-down vote about when this country is finally going to enact an energy plan that puts American families first,” Jordan said.
Jordan said that House rules require a vote on any legislation whose discharge petition receives the signature of the majority of House members.
“With high taxes, rising food prices, and $4.00 gasoline, the time to act is now,” Jordan added.
