Issue Position: Increasing Domestic Oil and Gas Production

Issue Position

* Jim has called for a comprehensive energy plan where everything is on the table, starting with increased domestic energy exploration and production.
* Jim has voted for increased domestic drilling as a means to meet our growing energy needs. He has worked to streamline the process for companies seeking to drill for oil and gas on- and off-shore and provide a reasonable timeline for public comment and approving permits.
* Two thirds of petroleum is imported from foreign countries, but 98% of our natural gas is produced right here at home. Jim has championed a comprehensive plan to pave the way for Utahns to change how they power their vehicles by encouraging private investment in natural gas refueling stations and by providing incentives for the production and purchase of natural gas vehicles.
* Utah is home to some of the largest known oil shale deposits in the world. Jim fought to encourage responsible oil shale production as part of a balanced national energy portfolio, successfully ending the moratorium on oil shale leasing on Utah's public lands.

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