Frankly Speaking - Energy

Funding America’s Priorities and Holding the White House Accountable

Dec 22, 2015

As 2015 comes to an end, Congress is tasked with funding the federal government through the end of next September, or the remainder of the fiscal year. Last week the House and Senate passed a spending agreement that combined the 12 appropriations bills to fund various aspects of our government, ranging everywhere from defense to agriculture. In addition to this funding, the spending package also includes a number of policies to boost economic growth and encourage job creation in the private sector.

Filed under: Economy, Energy, General, Taxes

Farm Bill Provides Safety Net for Producers and Consumers

Feb 6, 2014

Congress delivered America’s farmers, ranchers and consumers what they deserve by passing the Agricultural Act of 2014 – commonly referred to as the farm bill. This five-year comprehensive bill ensures producers have the tools they need to provide an affordable and stable food and fiber supply.

Filed under: Agriculture, Agriculture Committee, Economy, Energy, General, Taxes

Reining in the EPA to Foster a Healthier Economy

Aug 2, 2013

For years, President Obama and his Administration have been touting that they are for an “all-of-the-above” energy policy. As the president continues to repeat this same rhetoric, it is obvious he is all but for this type of energy approach. Recently, he has made speeches directing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to strengthen existing rules and regulations. Instead of fostering a healthy economy with a real “all-of-the-above” energy approach, he has actually waged an indiscreet war on most of America’s main energy sources.

Filed under: Agriculture, Agriculture Committee, Economy, Energy, General, Taxes

House Republican Budget Provides Balance and Opportunity

Mar 22, 2013

Recently, the United States House of Representatives passed ‘The Path to Prosperity: A Responsible, Balanced Budget.’ I am encouraged to see the House has put forth a plan that will help balance the federal government’s checkbook, restore financial stability and create jobs in our country. At a time when we are over $16.7 trillion in debt, a solid plan is essential to helping fix the fiscal crises we are facing today.

Filed under: Agriculture, Energy, General, Taxes

American Energy: Obama’s Actions Speak Louder Than His Words

May 17, 2012

Washington, D.C.  - President Barack Obama has been hitting the campaign trail hard touting his administration’s “all-of-the-above” energy policy. Unfortunately, when it comes to domestic energy, his actions speak louder than his words.

Filed under: Agriculture, Agriculture Committee, Constituent Services, Economy, Energy

Delay in Approval of Keystone Pipeline is a Delay in Job Creation

Jan 17, 2012

On December 23, 2011, President Barack Obama signed into law H.R. 3765, which requires the President to consider issuing a permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline within 60 days, unless he determines the project would not serve the interest of the United States. This project would create 20,000 direct jobs and spur the creation of 118,000 spin-off jobs. Additionally, the pipeline will carry 100,000 barrels per day of oil from the U.S. Bakken to Oklahoma and Gulf Coast refineries, while in-turn easing our dependence on foreign countries for U.S. oil supply.

Filed under: Agriculture, Economy, Energy

Expanding Offshore Drilling Boosts American Economy, Creates Jobs

Sep 30, 2009

Last year, following a dramatic price spike in gas prices and very vocal call by the American people to increase American-made energy, Congress and then-President George W. Bush ended a decades-long ban on offshore drilling.  Even though the Department of the Interior has jurisdiction over our coasts, Congress had used its power to spend to eliminate offshore drilling by restricting the funds necessary to develop offshore drilling.  After President George W.

Filed under: Energy

Cap & Trade = Higher Costs for Rural America

May 19, 2009

This week, members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce are expected to consider The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009.  Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Rep. Edward Markey (D-Mass) introduced the bill.  A major component of this legislation is cap and trade. 

As a lifelong rancher, as a student of Agriculture economics, and as the Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, I have very serious concerns about cap and trade and its impact on rural economies.   

Filed under: Energy

The Winds of Change

May 5, 2009

Wind-generated electricity is key to our future success of energy independence.  Oklahoma has long played a role as one of the country’s largest energy producing states.  And with the recent uptick in alternative energy, Oklahoma is once again leading the charge.  Currently, we are the 9th largest producer of wind power in the United States, generating 689 megawatts each year which powers around 200,000 homes.  This booming industry has not only allowed our state to create cleaner energy, it has also generated additional income for farmers who place turbines in their fields and has added to

Filed under: Energy