On the recordJuly 8, 2013
It's time to get serious about American energy independence. Removing barriers to safe offshore energy production is a necessary component of a serious American energy strategy. Our country has been blessed with an abundance of resources; and if we utilize those resources responsibly rather than ignore them, we can reduce dependence on foreign oil by creating 1 million new jobs. During the same week an Obama global warming adviser stated that a ``war on coal is exactly what's needed,'' Republicans worked to lower energy prices, to move our country away from dependence on foreign oil, and to create jobs. This stands in stark contrast to President Obama's energy priorities. Under his Environmental Protection Agency, 17 North Carolina coal units are being shut down; gas prices remain high; and the shovel-ready Keystone XL pipeline remains stalled. Jobless Americans and working families deserve better. The President would do well to follow the all-of-the-above energy strategy we led with in the House. ____________________
