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Markey: Offshore Proposal Shows Tide Has Turned Towards Reason in Obama Interior Department

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Contact: Select Committee, 202-225-4081

Markey: Offshore Proposal Shows Tide Has Turned Towards Reason in Obama Interior Department

WASHINGTON (February 10, 2009) – In announcing a full review of offshore energy activities, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and the Obama administration are bringing much-needed sanity back into our nation’s energy policy, said Chairman Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.). The Interior Dept. announce today that it would extend the comment period on the so-called 5 year plan for offshore drilling by 180 days, would execute a resource assessment, and would finalize the rules for renewable energy development in offshore areas.

Below is the statement of Chairman Markey of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming and the Energy and Environment Subcommittee:

“By exercising proper caution on potentially harmful offshore drilling, and establishing clear rules for the potential to create clean renewable energy in our nation’s oceans, the Obama administration is bringing much-needed regulatory sanity back into our energy policy.

“Secretary Salazar’s announcement today will put an end to the Bush administration’s policy of ‘drill first and ask questions later’ when it comes to opening new offshore areas.

“The tide has turned back towards reason and a comprehensive energy plan for our country that sees promise in the winds and the tides, not just in drills and rigs.”

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The House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming was formed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to increase the visibility and priority given to America's oil dependence and global warming challenges. It is chaired by Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and will actively explore the solutions, science and progress on these pressing issues during the 110th Congress.

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