On the recordJuly 25, 2012
I voted for H.R. 6168, President Obama's Proposed 2012-2017 Offshore Drilling Lease Sale Plan Act. I emphasize that this is a qualified support. The President's plan maintains important protections for the Pacific Coast, the Atlantic Coast, and Bristol Bay. It is far better than the Republican alternative, which would open most of the American coastline to drilling, and which would eliminate important environmental safeguards in the process. Should Congress move forward with the President's proposal, it should do so with care, ensuring sufficient protection throughout the process. In particular, I am concerned about the potential permitting in Alaska. The President's proposal does require additional research and comprehensive analysis before approval of any project in Alaska, I underscore the need to have a full understanding of the impacts of drilling on the Alaskan ecosystems before moving forward. Appropriate safeguards must be in place and I look forward to working with the administration to ensure that we move forward with projects only after being confident that they do not pose a threat to the environment, ecosystems, or existing local economies in the area. Our biggest priority should be reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, regardless of whether or not those fuels are obtained domestically or internationally. I will continue to work with my colleagues to support policies that support clean energy production and energy efficiency.
