FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEWS RELEASE – May 5, 2011

NUNNELEE: House Passes Bill to Expand Offshore Energy Production

Measure will lower gas prices, create jobs and strengthen energy independence

(Washington, D.C.) – Today H.R. 1230, the Restarting American Offshore Leasing Now Act, passed in the House of Representatives.  Congressman Nunnelee (R-Miss) is a co-sponsor of the measure which expands American energy production and creates jobs by requiring the Secretary of the Interior to conduct oil and natural gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and offshore Virginia that have been delayed or canceled by the Obama Administration.     

“If we are going to address our rising energy prices, we must proceed immediately with the scheduled lease sales off the coast of Virginia and in the Gulf,” said Nunnelee.  “The Restarting American Offshore Leasing Now Act ensures this is done in a safe and timely manner.  Families across our country cannot continue to suffer from the Obama Administration’s policies that are blocking American energy production, preventing job creation and forfeiting needed revenue that could be used to pay down our debt.” 

“I just spent two weeks in the district and heard firsthand how the record high fuel prices are hurting family budgets.   As the price of gas climbs to $4.00 in Mississippi, it’s time to take action and let America know we are listening,” concluded Nunnelee.    

The Federal Government develops five-year plans to determine where and when offshore leasing and energy production will occur.  The current five-year plan, established by the Bush Administration, included a lease sale off the Virginia Coast in 2011, two Gulf of Mexico lease sales in 2011, and another Gulf of Mexico lease sale for 2012.  The Restarting American Offshore Leasing Act Now would require all four lease sales to occur before June 1, 2012.

Nunnelee is a member of the House Energy Action Team (HEAT).  HEAT consists of a committed group of House members that promote Republican energy policies that will address rising energy prices, create thousands of good jobs and enhance our national security by promoting energy independence for America. 

For more information on the Restarting American Offshore Leasing Now Act and the House Republicans’ American Energy Initiative, click here.

Congressman Alan Nunnelee represents Mississippi’s First Congressional District and serves on the House Appropriations Committee.  This is his first term.

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