Press Releases

GOODLATTE VOTES TO INCREASE ENERGY SUPPLIES AND CREATE AMERICAN JOBS

Washington, DC: Congressman Goodlatte issued this statement following House passage of H.R. 6082, the Congressional Replacement of President Obama's Energy-Restricting and Job-Limiting Offshore Drilling Plan, which opens offshore Virginia to drilling. This bipartisan legislation passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 253 – 170. 

“Energy is vital to every aspect of American life.  It is used in our homes, our small businesses and industries. Energy powers computers, appliances, technology and the Internet and fuels transportation and farming. When energy supplies are tight, families and businesses are severely impacted by the resulting increase in energy costs. 

Today, with my strong support, the House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation that would not only help lower the energy costs of all Americans by tapping into the significant oil and natural gas reserves off our coast, including here in Virginia, but it would help create millions of American jobs. 

Until we expand our domestic energy production, our nation will continue to see energy prices soar and our economy suffer.  By lifting President Obama’s moratorium on drilling along the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) we could triple American energy production, which is key to ensuring abundant and affordable energy for all Americans.”    

Congressman Goodlatte has been an ardent supporter of an “all of the above” energy policy, in an effort to lessen our dependence on foreign oil and lower energy costs.  He is the lead sponsor of the Virginia Access to Energy Act, which allows for the exploration of natural gas and crude oil in Virginia’s waters off the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).  The legislation requires the Department of Interior to proceed with the Virginia lease sale no later than one year after passage of the bill. 

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