Pence speaks

Washington, Dec 18, 2007 -  

WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Congressman Mike Pence released the following statement today opposing an energy bill that fails to reduce the price of gasoline at the pump and our dependence on foreign oil.

“I believe America needs a new energy policy. I have worked on bipartisan efforts to move responsible energy legislation in this Congress. However, I cannot support the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, H.R. 6.

“I have worked with members across the aisle to support the responsible and gradual increase in Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, and am pleased that this reform is included in this legislation.

“I was also pleased to see that Congress has continued our nation’s commitment to renewable fuels.

“However, I believe the only way to lessen our dependence on foreign oil is to combine greater fuel efficiency and wiser energy use with a significant increase in domestic oil exploration. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 does not include any authority to expand our domestic oil or natural gas exploration.

“It is imperative that our national energy policy include expanded exploration and production of the rich, domestic oil and gas resources we have in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and the Outer Continental Shelf.

“Instead of taking a balanced approach, this energy bill contains $2.1 billion in tax increases, an expansion of archaic wage requirements, numerous federal programs and mandates and creates a new federal bureaucracy in an Office of Climate Change in the Department of Transportation. More government mandates, more taxes, more bureaucracy will not reduce the cost of gasoline at the pump or reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

“If enacted in its current form, H.R. 6 will lead to higher energy prices of every type, and fewer choices for Americans in how they use it.

“While I am opposed to this legislation, I will continue to work in a bipartisan way to achieve energy independence for the people of Indiana.”

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