Mike Conaway: “tonight I'm asking my colleagues to make a clear choice, a choice between a rational development of American energy…”

“tonight I'm asking my colleagues to make a clear choice, a choice between a rational development of American energy resources, or a flawed policy of shackling ourselves to unfriendly nations for the fuel we depend on every day. The Republican motion to recommit will move restrictions on the Federal Government to speed the development and production of American resources, as well as reduce our reliance on imported refined products. It would first repeal the misguided policies introduced by section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act, which senselessly handcuffs the Federal Government, especially the Department of Defense, to only conventional sources of diesel, gasoline or jet fuel. Second, it would expedite the siting of potential new refinery capacity. Congress has already admitted that we want to continue relying on fossil fuels by passing legislation to let Americans sue OPEC to force them to increase their oil production. It is irrational to restrict our access to American fossil fuels, but continue buying these same fuels from countries that are, at best, not our allies. This motion will unleash the purchasing power of the Federal Government to accelerate the development and exploitation of unconventional fuels. With oil at $130 a barrel, we should be embracing alternative sources of fuel and actively seeking to improve processes and increase refinery capacity, as well as increase fuel efficiency.”