Jim Costa

the state ought to take the lead on this so we could get through this process

I want to thank Congresswoman Markey for deferring, and I want to thank the Chairman for holding this important hearing.

Today's announcement is very disappointing in that it does little to help our farmers and farm workers in the next six to twenty-four months, should we continue to experience ongoing dry circumstances.

We do need to harness energy offshore, but in the form of renewable resources.

To deny the American people these energy resources is simply illogical, shortsighted and wrong.

We can break free from oil tyrants, but only if we are willing to act and develop our resources.

I believe it is what we should strive for on every issue that comes before this Congress.

I have been a long-time opponent of new offshore oil and gas development.

I simply don't believe that is a way in which you can have an honest debate and discussion of a public policy issue of this importance.

We can free ourselves from this tanker transported oil if we simply choose to develop our domestic resources.

There just aren't zero risks in life.

When you get the different parties who have differences, different interests, sit in the same room, oftentimes you can find paths to solutions.

I think it is productive and a good use of our time for both Subcommittees to hold this hearing together on this topic.

It has to be created.

These sorts of scientific assessments and marine spatial planning are crucial to the successful development of our renewable energy resources.

It is tragically ironic that we continue to use tanker spills as an excuse not to allow OCS development...

I am a supporter of expanding the oil and gas production, both on and offshore.

We should not draw arbitrary lines in the ocean, but rather we should base decisions on science and a comprehensive understanding of our nation's energy needs.

But we cannot craft a policy going forward unless we use all the energy tools in our energy toolbox, and offshore drilling is one of those tools.

We need to make sure that this development is done wisely and in an environmentally-sound manner.

Because only the White House can do that.

Do you think the Congressional or Presidential moratorium on offshore drilling has been a help or a hindrance in this effort to do this planning?

Seventy members joined myself and others in writing a letter to the Administration urging them to take a precautionary approach to drilling in the northern waters.

I am thankful that we have not had a spill of that magnitude or destructive impact in the 20 years since.

I will soon introduce a bill, entitled the Coastal State Renewable Energy Promotion Act.