Niki Tsongas: “I would like to thank our ranking member, Mr. Markey of Massachusetts, for his forceful advocacy on this issue. I rise…”

“I would like to thank our ranking member, Mr. Markey of Massachusetts, for his forceful advocacy on this issue. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6168, legislation that would support the President's proposed Offshore Drilling Lease Sale Plan for 2012-2017. This plan, which has been developed over the past few years with extensive public input, is a responsible way to increase domestic production of oil and gas while still protecting our delicate and vital ocean environment. Contrary to Republican claims that the plan would restrict domestic production and hurt jobs, the President's proposed plan would actually open 75 percent of offshore oil and gas resources to development. Where there are resources, the land is being opened--75 percent. In fact, domestic production of oil is at an 18-year high, and gas production is at an all-time high under President Obama. At the same time that the President's plan includes new leasing, it also protects many of our most important ocean environments from drilling, such as Georges Bank and other vital fishing areas off the coast of my State, Massachusetts. Georges Bank is a valuable public resource that has been central to our region's rich cultural heritage, economy, and identity. For years, these waters have been at the heart of the New England fishing industry and have historically been one of the country's most productive fishing grounds.…”