Washington, DC – U.S. Congressman Charles W. Boustany, Jr., MD (R-Southwest Louisiana) today joined House colleagues to promote natural gas as a means to curb America’s dependence on foreign oil by accelerating the production and use of natural gas-fueled vehicles.

“This country lacks any kind of coherent energy plan, and I have constantly said we need an ‘all of the above’ approach,” Boustany said.“Natural gas is a way to transition from a dependence on foreign oil to an energy strategy which utilizes resources here at home. Louisiana is home to the one of the largest natural gas deposits in the world. Natural gas will help us diversify our energy sources available here at home.”

“As gas prices continue to rise and our economy struggles to recover, natural gas is a new fuel alternative and has the potential to create new jobs across Louisiana,” Boustany said.

At the event Wednesday, Boustany and members of Congress discussed America’s incomplete energy policy with T. Boone Pickens, an energy investor who has promoted the expansion of natural gas and other sources to tackle America’s energy needs. The event also displayed several models of natural gas-powered vehicles.

Congressman Boustany is a vocal proponent of American energy production, much of which comes from Louisiana. He vigorously pushed for the issuance of new permits on deepwater and shallow water drilling in the wake of President Obama’s moratorium on American energy production, and repeatedly called for America to end its dependence on foreign oil. 

Congressman Boustany and T. Boone Pickens at Wednesday's event.

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