BURTON: ENERGY SOLUTION WITHIN GRASP

Political Games Persist, says Burton, but More Legislators to Join Bipartisan Bandwagon

(Indianapolis) – In a joint press conference of Hoosier Republicans on Monday, Congressman Dan Burton [R-IN-05] spoke of a bipartisan uprising in Congress which could lead to a comprehensive energy bill. 

Touting recent developments on Capitol Hill, Burton said, “We are getting closer to an energy solution developed by both Republicans and Democrats.  By agreeing to increase the domestic oil supply though drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf while also taking steps to decrease demand for oil through the use of alternative energy, we will have the right mix to lower gas prices and move toward energy independence.” 

Burton said he was encouraged by the emergence of bipartisan “energy solution groups” in the House and Senate, and that he hoped for some legislation to move before August.  “I’ve been saying for months now that both sides will have to bend,” said Burton, “and while some of the energy reforms we put forth will take years to develop, I believe this kind of movement by Congress to increase domestic oil supply, while providing incentives to use alternative energy, will have an immediate effect on the market in terms of lowering gas prices.”

Burton reserved his strongest words for the Speaker Pelosi-led effort to impose more regulations on the oil industry last week, calling the legislation a “farce” and “the kind of political game-playing that disappoints Americans.”  The legislation, H.R. 6515, which was nicknamed the “DRILL” Act by Democrats, sought to impose a “use it or lose it” regulation on drilling companies who have leased Federal lands.  Burton showed his dismay by saying, “When bipartisan solutions are finally reaching the forefront, here’s an example of Pelosi-led fiddling while Rome is burning.  You can’t force companies to drill for oil if they haven’t discovered it yet.”

Burton concluded, “We have the tools to create a practical energy solution for America, and this will happen when these political game-players are finally silenced or see the light.  We will beat these high gas prices.”

For more information on Representative Burton’s fight for cheaper energy, please visit his website at www.house.gov/burton.

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