FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEWS RELEASE – March 31, 2011                                                     

Nunnelee Co-Sponsors Three Bills Towards Energy Independence

Measures reduce American dependence on foreign oil by expanding offshore production

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Nunnelee announced that he has co-sponsored three bills that will reduce American dependence on foreign oil by expanding offshore energy production.  The bills were introduced under the American Energy Initiative, led by House Republicans, which includes an all-of-the-above approach: more American oil, natural gas, coal and nuclear energy.

“Mississippians are reminded of our dependence on foreign oil every time they fill up at the pump, and they are tired of it,” said Nunnelee.  “As gas prices continue to rise, we should make it a national priority to be energy independent by the end of this decade.  The Washington policies that have hindered energy production and job creation must end.”

“One solution to our growing problem is to expand offshore energy production immediately. Through exploring more domestic energy production we can lower prices, create good jobs and decrease our reliability on volatile regions of the world.  Americans are sick of sending their hard earned money to oil rich nations in the Middle East. It is past time for the United States to claim energy independence, and these three measures are a great starting point,” concluded Nunnelee.  

Congressman Nunnelee has co-sponsored the following bills:

• The Putting the Gulf Back to Work Act (H.R. 1229) would end the Obama Administration’s de facto moratorium in the Gulf of Mexico in a safe, responsible, transparent manner by setting firm time-lines for considering permits to drill, which provide certainty and allow employers and workers to get back on the job.
• The Restarting American Offshore Leasing Now Act(H.R. 1230)would require the Obama Administration to move forward promptly to conduct offshore lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and offshore Virginia that the Obama Administration has delayed or canceled.  Due to the Obama Administration’s actions, in 2011 there will be no offshore lease sales – the first time since 1958.
• The Reversing President Obama’s Offshore Moratorium Act(H.R. 1231) would lift the President’s ban on new offshore drilling by requiring the Administration to move forward in the 2012-2017 lease plan with energy production in areas containing the most oil and natural gas resources.

More information on House Republicans’ American Energy Initiative can be found on the Natural Resources Committee website, here.