Energy

Defending American Energy Production

President Obama and Congressional Democrats continue to block proposals to safely expand American energy exploration and production in favor of new taxes on our domestic producers and proposals that offer no new sources of energy.  As a Member of the House tax-writing Ways and Means Committee, I will continue to oppose job-killing taxes on Gulf energy producers.  Government policies shouldn’t pick winners and losers in the energy markets.  It’s important we craft sensible policy that will unleash America’s entrepreneurs to lead us to clean, renewable fuels while creating a strong U.S. workforce.

I have vigorously opposed the Obama Administration’s efforts to permanently shut down Gulf energy production in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon tragedy.  The spill continues to impact Louisiana, our economy and our way of life.  I am working hard to help Southwest Louisiana workers fight job-killing bureaucratic hurdles put in place by the Obama Administration that continue to slow Gulf energy production.

Comprehensive Energy Plan

I am committed to enacting balanced and responsible energy legislation that is in the best interest of Southwest Louisiana.  Inflated gasoline prices place a financial burden on working families.  However, we cannot address our long-term energy problems with more regulation, higher taxes, and fewer choices.  The real key to low prices at the pump is decreasing our dangerous dependence on foreign oil.

Americans deserve a comprehensive energy plan that utilizes on all types of American production to create good-paying U.S. jobs and satisfy growing domestic demand.  As the country transitions to new types of renewable energy sources in coming years, Southwest Louisiana is well positioned to lead the nation towards cleaner fuels with cutting edge technologies being deployed throughout the region. Traditional oil and gas development is also critical as we move to new fuels and I will continue to push policies that encourage environmentally responsible exploration here at home.  

It should never be forgotten that 11 brave men lost their lives working to deliver the energy all Americans use everyday.  British Petroleum will be held accountable for the environmental and economic damage incurred in the Gulf region and President Obama must ensure that a coordinated response to defending and cleaning Louisiana’s delicate coastline is implemented at all levels of government.  Oil and gas exploration in the Gulf has been done safely for many years.  I believe we can implement strict safety standards for future exploration while at the same time ensuring Louisiana energy producers continue to operate during this transition period.

Louisianians deserve a balanced energy plan that will not only reduce our dependence on foreign oil, but also bring more business to our state.  I am committed to working with my colleagues during the 112th Congress to implement common-sense energy solutions to lower gas prices and reduce America’s reliance on foreign sources of energy.

I am always eager to hear from my constituents.  If you would like to speak with my staff about energy legislation, please contact my Washington, D.C. office at 202-225-2031.