Political Quotes

“I thank the chairman of the committee, Doc Hastings. I rise in strong support of H.R. 1965, the Federal Lands Jobs and Energy Security Act, which incorporates four additional bills into my bill. This legislation takes significant steps toward moving our country forward on a path to energy independence by streamlining government regulations and reducing government red tape that hinders onshore energy production. It will create new American jobs, promote energy and economic development, and increase revenues to the State and Federal governments. This legislation also sets firm timelines for Applications for Permit to Drill, or APD, approvals and dedicates funds from APD solar and wind right-of-way fees to the permitting field offices. It will require the Bureau of Land Management to lease at least 25 percent of the nominated acreage not previously made available for lease. It will inject certainty into the leasing process and terms to give energy developers the certainty they need to move forward with production. It also requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop a 4-year plan for onshore energy development, similar to the 5-year plan they are required to develop for offshore development. It opens up the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska for energy production and allows the BLM to conduct leasing through the Internet. Since taking office, despite the claims to the contrary, President Obama has waged a war on energy development.…”