Renee L. Ellmers: “The Obama administration has moved our country backwards in terms of energy production. The de facto moratorium on…”

“The Obama administration has moved our country backwards in terms of energy production. The de facto moratorium on offshore drilling is causing a significant decline in American energy production. When President Obama took office, these offshore areas were open to drilling and production. Since that time, President Obama has taken steps to effectively reimpose an offshore drilling ban. Mr. Speaker, this is an issue of common sense. Failure to develop our offshore energy resources is increasing our dependence on foreign sources of oil and denying much-needed revenue to help pay down the national debt. But, most importantly, it is costing us American jobs. We have an abundant supply of natural resources off of our shores. Common sense dictates the use of our own resources to meet our energy needs. I cosponsored and voted in favor of H.R. 1231, Reversing President Obama's Offshore Moratorium Act. Not surprisingly, the Senate has failed to consider this bill. We will continue to push for access to our energy resources. ____________________”