Power Lines: President’s State of the Union
January 25, 2012

IN THE NEWS

Last night, President Obama touted the need for American energy independence, and an “all-of-the-above” strategy for our domestic resources.  Unfortunately, this president’s policies are no longer just failing to give us the recovery he promised—they are preventing new well-paying jobs for American workers and have made energy independence harder to achieve.  Last week, President Obama buried 20,000 shovel-ready jobs by rejecting the bi-partisan, environmentally-reviewed Keystone XL Pipeline project.

The Keystone XL Pipeline expansion would provide a significant boost to U.S. energy security, bringing an extra 830,000 barrels of oil per day to U.S. refineries.  In September 2011, the U.S. imported 759,000 barrels of oil a day from Venezuela. The Keystone pipeline would eliminate our need for Venezuelan oil.

Americans are looking for a plan for energy independence, and the president has done nothing to advance that cause, choosing instead to invest in failing firms that give him political benefit, like the bankrupt solar panel manufacturer Solyndra. 

The president touted the economic and energy security benefits of increased U.S. oil and gas production, however, his Administration is only hampering such production.  According to a recent study, policies and administrative actions have significantly slowed the rate of leasing, permitting and drilling in the U.S. since 2009. 

House Republicans approved legislation that included measures to directly support the creation of private sector jobs and energy security, including the Keystone XL project, blocking the EPA's job-destroying regulations, and expanding opportunities for domestic energy exploration.  Instead, President Obama has actively blocked job-creating energy production and closed off “some of the most promising energy resources in the world.”

Unlike the president who prefers to pick winners and losers in the energy sector, House Republicans support an “all-of-the-above” energy plan.

 After last night’s State of the Union, Energy and Commerce Chairman Upton (R-MI) released the following statement:

 “President Obama talked of a future where we’re in control of our own energy, but time and again, he has blocked our ability to develop our vast energy resources and partner with North American allies to lessen our dependence on hostile regions of the world.  The President said we need an all-out, all-of-the-above strategy that develops every available source of American energy, but his government’s policies are keeping supplies locked away and squeezing our power sector, making energy less reliable and less affordable for working families and businesses struggling to grow.  He said a lot about energy at a time when the American people recognize the jobs and security that come with energy development, but he stayed silent on two of the most significant energy issues facing our nation today: the Keystone XL pipeline he rejected and the failed government gamble on Solyndra.  The silence speaks volumes about contrasting policy visions.

“President Obama talked of an America that’s built to last.  He outlined an aspirational vision, and at a time when so many millions of Americans remain out of work, there is no doubt that positive, pro-job solutions are what our country hungers for.  But the policies we’ve seen over the last three years fall far short of our nation’s potential.

“President Obama’s Jobs Council offered serious policy principles to help ease economic uncertainty and spur job creation, and Republicans have voted over and over again to put those principles into action.  That’s the path to an America built to last.  We’ll keep on working this year to deliver solutions for middle class families and job creators.  We’ll keep on working to implement an all-of-the-above energy strategy that promotes job creation and secure, affordable energy supplies.  And we’ll keep on fighting to protect taxpayers and reduce the size and scope of government, because as long as Washington is allowed to spend money we do not have, our economy and future generations will pay the price.  The state of our union depends on these kinds of solutions, and we’re committed to deliver.”

For questions or further information contact Sarah Makin