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Washington, DC - Today, Congressman John E. Peterson, R-Pa., voted against a House Democrat “energy” package that actually makes it more difficult to produce American energy while inflicting a huge tax increase on its production. In so doing, the legislation increases domestic energy costs, makes America more reliant on unstable foreign energy sources, and drives U.S. jobs overseas. Peterson issued the following statement after the vote:
“As a country, we must conserve and use the energy resources we have wisely. We must also continue to develop alternative and renewable energy sources, and I support many of the provisions in this package that aim to accomplish these goals. But these items pale in comparison to the devastating impact on our economy caused by the bill’s provisions locking up American energy supplies and hiking taxes on our small, independent oil and gas producers. It is unfortunate that the vast majority of House Democrats continue to ignore our growing energy crisis by contending that less domestic production and higher taxes are the paths to energy independence. I, for one, will keep my hand extended to work with those Democrats recognizing that we must simultaneously pursue renewable and alternative energy sources, while also allowing for increased, responsible production of our traditional energy supplies like natural gas.
“Our energy crisis is the most critical issue that we face today. As Democrat House leaders, pressured by environmental zealots, refuse to responsibly allow America to compete on a level playing field in the global economy by increasing our domestic production of clean, green natural gas, countries across the world will continue to drill for energy off their shores and stockpile energy that we’ve historically had access to.
“In fact, the independent International Energy Agency recently reported that the supply of oil and natural gas required for continued world economic growth is at risk. That’s not to mention that independent analysis recently showed that Brazil, Russia, India and China have for the first time surpassed the U.S. as the dominant competitor in the global energy market. Yet the Democrats believe that producing American energy, which would reduce our energy prices and create quality jobs here at home, is the wrong avenue of approach.”
The House bill includes the following provisions detrimental to American energy consumers:
· Rolls back key improvements in domestic energy development,
both onshore and offshore, contained in the Energy Policy Act of
2005.
· Breaches legitimate energy contracts between companies and
the U.S. government.
· Doubles the time it takes to get government approval for
offshore energy production.
· Halts a leasing program for oil shale reserves on federal lands.
· Bars production of a massive natural gas field on federal lands (the
Roan Plateau) in Colorado.
· Imposes $16 billion in massive and punitive taxes on the oil/gas
industry, increasing our dependence on foreign sources of energy
at a time of international uncertainty.
Peterson voted for a Republican alternative bill which would actually produce energy, including allowing for natural gas production beyond 100 miles offshore.
Peterson coauthored the National Environment and Energy Development (NEED) Act, which would lift the congressional moratoria for offshore natural gas leasing. The bipartisan measure ensures states’ rights, direct royalties to environmental restoration and renewable energy funds, as well as to producing states. The measure includes strong labor provisions.
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