Black Votes to Increase Offshore Energy Production, Tells Obama Administration "Enough is Enough.'

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Diane Black (R-TN), voted for H.R. 1230, the Restarting American Offshore Leasing Now Act, which would require the Secretary of the Interior to conduct oil and natural gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and offshore Virginia that have been delayed or cancelled by the Obama Administration. Black is a cosponsor of the bill, which passed the House today by a vote of 266-149.

"It's time for the Obama Administration to get serious about rising gas prices and our nation's energy independence," said Black. "Enough is enough. This bill today is the first in a series of bills House Republicans will support in an effort to increase offshore energy production in order to create jobs and grow our economy. Again, where the Administration is failing to lead--Republicans in the House are stepping up with a plan to bring down gas prices."

The Federal Government develops five‐year plans to determine where and when offshore leasing and energy production will occur. The current five‐year plan (2007‐2012), established by the Bush Administration, contained a handful of lease sales, which the Obama Administration has delayed or cancelled. This bill will reverse the Obama Administration's actions and proceed now with the scheduled lease sales in a prompt, timely and safe manner. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that H.R. 1230 would generate $40 million in new revenueover the next decade.

Under President Obama, the cost of energy has skyrocketed. The national average price of gasoline was $1.84 when President Obama took office. Today it is $3.95. Rising gasoline prices are hurting families and small businesses, costing jobs and threatening our economic recovery.

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