Lafayette, LA – U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr., (R-Southwest Louisiana) today discussed his concerns about American energy production and the nation’s dependence on foreign oil, as costs rose above $100 a barrel amidst anxiety over the turmoil in Libya.

“As America’s dependence on foreign oil continues, we feel the impact of the conflicts in the Middle East,” Boustany said. “The actions in Libya to overthrow this oppressive regime are a sign of hope and progress for this North African nation, and the violence against the protesters must cease immediately. But the impact this instability has on American energy proves again that we must utilize the resources we have in this country rather than foster our continued addiction to foreign oil. This administration has halted offshore energy production for months with the moratorium and subsequent defacto moratorium. The proposed tax increases on American energy producers will further weaken our energy security. I hope these uprisings not only bring change to the nations overseas, but spur a renaissance of American energy production.”

###