Paulsen: Reduce Dependence on Foreign Oil Now

Bipartisan Legislation Would Increase Domestic Energy Production, Invest in America’s Aging Infrastructure Without Raising Taxes

WASHINGTON, DC – With Americans feeling pain at the pump, Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN-03) joined Reps. Jim Costa (CA-20), Tim Murphy (PA-18), Bill Shuster (PA-9), Tim Walz (MN-01) today to announce the Infrastructure Jobs and Energy Independence Act, legislation that would decrease our dependence on foreign oil, make the largest infrastructure investment in our nation’s history without raising taxes and create jobs here in America.  In addition, this bill creates incentives for cleaner energy production and energy conservation, as well as increases the diversification and efficiency of America’s transportation and electric system. 

“This bill is about American energy and creating American jobs.  With gas prices averaging $4.00 a gallon in the Twin Cities, it’s imperative that Congress acts now to alleviate pain at the pump,” said Rep. Paulsen.  “At the same time, we’re sending billions of dollars to countries overseas, making this an economic and national security issue. This legislation would not only increase domestic exploration, but would also invest in clean American energy and our aging infrastructure.”

The Infrastructure Jobs and Energy Independence Act would expedite leases for energy exploration off our coasts and then use those proceeds to invest in America’s aging roads, bridges, dams, and locks. Royalties from exploration leases would also be used to invest in clean American energy and help reduce federal budget deficits.

In the last week, Representative Paulsen also voted in support of three pieces of legislation that lift current bans on energy exploration and create a more open process to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and make our country more energy independent.

Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation currently serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Korea-U.S. Free Trade Working Group and co-chair of the House Medical Technology Caucus.

For more information on Rep. Paulsen’s work in Congress, please visit www.paulsen.house.gov.

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