Bilirakis Visited Renewables Lab, Alaskan Oil Fields, and Discussed America’s Energy Future With Energy Leaders

WASHINGTON DC – Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Freshman Republican Whip, joined Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) and other House Republican Freshman on the “American Energy Tour.”  Congressman Bilirakis traveled to the National Renewable Energy Lab in Golden, Colorado.  In addition, Congressman Bilirakis took an aerial tour of ANWR to examine exploration techniques, opportunities, and challenges in the oil industry and spoke with industry and government leaders. 

Congressman Bilirakis attended a press conference today with House Republican Leader John Boehner to report to the American people that must produce oil domestically while at the same time creating a comprehensive energy policy that sets achievable goals for a renewable economy.  After the press conference, Congressman Bilirakis said,

“This trip was an eye opening experience.  We saw the present and the future of American energy.  There are those who say America must accept high gas prices.  What I saw tells me America can produce enough oil domestically to fuel our economy in the near term and use those revenues to invest in the renewable technologies of the future.  Such a plan requires vigilance and leadership, and Republicans stand ready to lead.  Democrat leadership, unfortunately, has just been standing in the way.  The American people are tired of paying $4.00 a gallon for gas.  They want action, and we are ready to act.”

Congressman Gus Bilirakis is a member of the Veterans' Affairs, Foreign Affairs, and Homeland Security Committees.

#  #  #