Representative Doug Lamborn

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Letters

Every American has been directly affected by the energy crisis. The rising cost of oil necessitates an aggressive plan with meaningful solutions and immediate implementation. Gasoline prices are at an all time high with the potential to rise even higher. As a member of Congress, representing the Fifth District of Colorado, it is my duty and priority to support appropriate legislation most responsive to the needs of the American people.

It is all well and good to propose measures that may pay off decades in the future, such as alternative energy research and higher CAFÉ standards for vehicles. The most urgent and immediate solution though is to ramp up domestic production of oil and gas right now. As a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, I support utilizing the vast resources our nation has to offer. We can take positive steps to lower energy prices immediately, if only the majority leadership in Congress is willing to bring production measures to a vote. In an effort to successfully end this crisis, I am cosponsoring the following legislation:

H.R. 6566, The American Energy Act- This bill would increase the domestic supply of energy in environmentally sound ways by opening up deep sea resources, ANWR, and oil shale resources. In addition, conservation and energy efficiency would be improved by offering tax incentives for businesses and homeowners who improve their energy efficiency. Finally, this bill promotes renewable and alternative energy technologies.

*As an original cosponsor, Congressman Lamborn urged Congressional Democrats to schedule a vote before the August district work period on this “all of the above” energy legislation. The American Energy Act is one bill that would increase the supply of American-made energy with one vote. For more information on this act, click here.

H.R. 6379, Federal Exploration and Production Reform Act of 2008

This legislation streamlines the application approval process for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to evaluate permits for exploration and production in both offshore and onshore federal lands.

H.R. 3089, No More Excuses Energy Act of 2007

Reduces the price of gasoline by opening new American oil refineries; investing in diverse energy sources such as wind, nuclear, and clean coal-to-liquid technology; and making available more homegrown energy through environmentally sensitive exploration of the Arctic Energy Slope and America’s Deep-Sea Energy Reserves.

H.R. 2279, Expand American Refining Capacity at Closed Military Bases

Reduces the price of gasoline by streamlining the refinery application process and by requiring the President to open at least three closed military installations for the purpose of siting new and reliable American refineries.

H.R. 5656, To Repeal the Ban on Acquiring Alternative Fuels

Reduces the price of gasoline by allowing the federal government to procure advanced alternative fuels derived from diverse sources like oil shale, tar sands and coal-to-liquid technology.

H.R. 2493, Fuel Mandate Reduction Act of 2007

Reduces the price of gasoline by removing fuel blend requirements and onerous government mandates if they contribute to unaffordable gas prices.

H.R. 6107, American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act

Reduces the price of gasoline by opening the Arctic Energy Slope to environmentally sensitive American energy exploration. Exploration would be limited to 0.01% of the Refuge, and revenue received from the new leases would be invested in a long-term alternative energy trust fund.

H.R. 6108, Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act of 2008

Reduces the price of gasoline by enabling the United States to responsibly explore its own deep ocean to produce American energy. The bill would grant coastal states the authority to keep exploration 100 miles from their coastlines and it would also allow states to share in the revenues received.

H.R. 6463, Emergency Energy Cut the Red Tape Now Act of 2008

Gives the Secretary of the Interior the ability to open ANWR, oil shale reserves, and the Outer Continental Shelf, and streamline both the permitting and refinery processes.
H.R. 6418, Developing Resources Immediately and Long-Term through Leases on Our Nation's Offshore Waters Act of 2008

Terminates laws prohibiting the spending of appropriated funds for outer continental shelf leasing activities.
H.R. 6384, Americans for American Energy Act of 2008

Offers a comprehensive plan for American energy independence that includes exploration and consideration of the Outer Continental Shelf and ANWR; oil shale, tar sands, coal, and nuclear energy development; promoting energy efficiency and reform.
H.R. 2784, National Environment and Energy Development Act

Declares without force or effect all federal prohibitions against the expenditure of appropriated funds to conduct natural gas leasing and preleasing activities for any area of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Authorizes the Secretary to issue leases for development and production of natural gas and associated condensate and expresses the intent of Congress that this Act result in a healthy and growing American industrial, manufacturing, transportation, and service sector employing America's workforce to assist in the development of affordable energy from the OCS.
H.R. 3497, Surface Transportation and Taxation Equity Act or STATE Act

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the federal excise tax on gasoline and special fuels (but not below two cents per gallon) by corresponding increases in fuel taxes imposed by States after March 5, 2007.
H.R. 6207, $150 Barrel Energy Extortion Act of 2008

Authorizing the following to take effect when crude oil reaches $150 a barrel for one day: developing new nuclear power plants, new energy sources on the OCS, and develops new sources in ANWR.
Security and Energy for America (SEA) Act

This bill would provide for five years of guaranteed payments for Secure Rural Schools and PILT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes), as well as producing more American energy from the Outer Continental Shelf in a responsible manner while providing renewable energy production grants.

Pledges, Speeches, Rallies

In addition, Congressman Lamborn signed onto a pledge, along with 175 other members of the U.S. House of Representatives, which reads “I will vote to increase U.S. oil production to lower gas prices for Americans.” To see this pledge Click here. Originally created by Congressman Lynn Westmoreland (GA-03), this pledge seeks to address the need for an increase in domestic oil supply, while recognizing the necessity to conserve and develop alternative fuels.

Congressman Lamborn has recently signed “The Declaration of American Energy Independence,” hosted by the Western Caucus, which emphasizes America’s need to become independence of foreign oil. Many Representatives have signed this declaration. Click here to view pictures of the signing.

Congressman Lamborn delivered a speech on the U.S. House of Representatives floor urging Congress to act immediately to lower gasoline prices. To view Congressman Lamborn’s video, click here. To see the text of his speech, click here.

Congressman Lamborn demonstrated his support for increasing domestic energy production during an energy consumer rally and press conference, “Stop the War on the Poor.” To see a picture of the event, click here. The rally was held to discuss solutions to lower rising energy prices, including proposals to expand energy production and increase energy conservation.

Letters: Congressman Lamborn has signed onto the following letters concerning energy:

To the President: Congressman Lamborn wrote a letter to the President urging him to call Congress back to Washington, DC for a special session to address the energy crisis.

To Speaker Pelosi: A letter circulated by the Republican Study Committee (RSC) strongly encouraging the expiration of current prohibitions on oil and gas leasing on most of the Outer Continental Shelf and on oil shale leasing on federal lands. This letter also says they will actively oppose any attempt to extend them.

To the President: A letter circulated by Rep. Kingston urging the President to “veto any spending bills that would continue the moratorium on Outer Continental Shelf drilling”

To Speaker Pelosi: A letter circulated by Rep. Barton urging Speaker Pelosi to “immediately schedule legislation to allow Members of this body to vote for increasing American supplies of energy”