Duncan Applauds Lifting of Offshore Drilling Ban

Washington, DC -- Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-TN) praised today’s announcement that President Bush is lifting the ban on offshore oil drilling. 

“I am pleased by today’s development.  The overwhelming majority of Americans support offshore drilling, and the President realizes that this exploration is necessary to bring down prices at the pump,” said Duncan.  “Our Country has tremendous resources, yet we continue to depend on foreign countries and allow gas prices to go higher and higher.”

Last week, Congressman Duncan sent a letter to President Bush urging him to repeal the Executive Order banning energy exploration on the Outer Continental Shelf. 

“Hopefully, the Democratic leadership will finally realize the serious toll that their inaction on rising gas prices is having on hardworking Americans and communities nationwide.  Accessing our own energy sources is an important step toward reducing gas prices and declaring our independence from foreign energy sources.”

In June, Congressman Duncan called the White House to urge President Bush to address the Nation on rising energy costs.