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Washington, DC – Lawmakers representing some of the most pristine coastal regions our country has to offer – from the boardwalks of Myrtle Beach, to the white sands of Puerto Rico’s Isabella Dunes – gathered on Capitol Hill this afternoon in support of legislation to broaden access to offshore reserves of natural gas. Invited by Congressman John E. Peterson, R-Pa., the author of H.R. 4318, the coastal representatives spoke to the geopolitical importance of lessening our nation’s dependence on foreign energy, while debunking the myth that clean energy can’t be acquired offshore in a safe and environmentally sensitive manner.
“More than most, my colleagues gathered here today recognize the importance of balancing the energy needs of America with respect for the environment in which their constituents live and work,” said Peterson. “The notion that producing natural gas offshore with today’s technology represents a risk to the environmental quality of our nation’s coastlines is at best erroneous, and in most cases downright disingenuous. A natural gas well has never – ever – polluted a beach or harmed the surrounding environment. My friends today made that point abundantly clear, and, considering the areas they represent, they’re in a unique position to do it.”
The press conference was convened at a very difficult time for energy consumers in America, with oil prices hovering near $74 per barrel and recent pronouncements from foreign leaders that would suggest a continued upward price trajectory. As volatile as oil markets have been, though, the natural gas trade has been even less stable, with prices earlier this year hitting an all-time high of $15.78/mmBTU – up from $2.00 per unit just five years previous. With energy prices continuing to spiral out of control, and with our country seemingly becoming more – not less – dependent on foreign entities for its energy needs, the lawmakers in attendance today made clear that the time to act on legislation to allow for the safe and efficient production of domestic natural gas is now.
“The case for natural gas is compelling,” said Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawaii, the chief co-sponsor of H.R. 4318. “Unlike oil, gas prices vary widely from country to country, with U.S. consumers and businesses paying ten times as much or more as their counterparts in other countries. It’s also a bridge to an alternative energy future, and if we’re going to move forward in developing alternative technologies on a mass scale, natural gas will help take us where we want to go.”
“This bill gives Louisiana the offshore gas production revenues that we desperately need so that we may become more independent in our recovery efforts,” commented Rep. William Jefferson, D-La. “Securing a larger share of the revenues allows a steady stream of funding for our state that will release us of our dependency on federal funds as we seek to rebuild our state economy and infrastructure. I urge Congress to act immediately.”
“I represent some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, so I wouldn’t be standing before you today if I felt that this initiative would in any way adversely impact our local economy or our coastal way of life,” said Rep. Henry Brown, R-S.C. “But if these energy prices continue on their present path, people across the country and around the world simply won’t be able to afford a vacation this year, which would hurt our local businesses and dramatically alter our local economic landscape.”
“I represent beautiful Virginia Beach, and live in an area that overlooks the Chesapeake Bay,” said Rep. Thelma Drake, R-Va. “If I believed for a second that there was any environmental risk in producing natural gas offshore with today’s technology and government oversight, I simply could not, and would not, support this initiative. But that’s not the case. Our country desperately needs access to these vital reserves offshore, and I support the safe and efficient acquisition of these important resources.”
“Not only does offshore domestic production address our country’s energy needs and restore our coast, a continuous revenue stream allows Gulf Coast states to plan for future disasters,” said Congressman Charles Boustany, R-La. “The sooner Congress acts, the sooner Southwest Louisiana can protect itself.”
“The average American family paid an extra $1,500 in home heating costs this past winter,” said Rep. Luis Fortuño, R-P.R. “People from the mainland enjoy spending their vacations in Puerto Rico, and we certainly enjoy hosting them. But with energy costs at the level they’re at, it’s very possible, and indeed, likely, that folks might not have the disposable income necessary to make the trip this year. There’s no reason that this has to be the case. We have plenty of energy within our own boundaries, and we should produce it – safely and efficiently.”
“Soaring energy costs are causing pain not just for families at the pump, but also to the critical industries that employ so many people in districts like mine,” Congressman Charlie Melancon, D-La., said. “Expanding our own production gives us a reliable and secure way to address this problem before we lose our agricultural and chemical industries completely. Ultimately this is about jobs and the American people are demanding action.”
“These are not easy times, and there are no easy answers to our energy needs,” remarked Rep. Jo Bonner, R-Ala. “Opening the Outer Continental Shelf to drilling will benefit the entire country. Now more than ever, we must develop safe and effective sources of energy to keep prices down and the economy moving in the right direction.” |
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