Steubenville Herald-Star: Johnson Calling for U.S. Energy Security Policy

News Article

By: Dave Gossett

U. S. Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Marietta, called for an energy security policy for the country that would result in lower gasoline prices and less dependence on foreign oil.

"We need the president to set a goal to become energy secure. We need to go after the oil that is available offshore. We need to drill for the oil that is available in our country. And we need to go after the natural gas that is available in Marcellus and Utica shale. We also need to look at nuclear energy, use coal in an environmentally friendly way and also go after solar and wind energy," Johnson told the audience Tuesday at the Steubenville Country Club.

Johnson was the speaker for the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce quarterly investors' luncheon.

"We will not mortgage the future of our grandchildren. I can remember in the 1960s when President John F. Kennedy announced America was going to the moon. He activated the educational, scientific and military. Everyone got involved and supported the space program. If we do the same thing with energy, we would see a change in the American economy and the creation of jobs," Johnson predicted.

"I believe with all my heart the president can affect the cost of gas by announcing America is drawing a line in the sand. We need to set a goal to become energy secure. That would also send a message to the American oil companies that they must become more competitive," said Johnson.

"So far I have supported five bills in the Congress to allow us to go after more energy resources. America can and must be self-sufficient. We can no longer allow a hiccup in the Middle East to affect the price of gas here," he said.

"There have been concerns raised in the media about fracking. But we have been doing that type of drilling for the past 60 years. We are standing on top of the largest deposit of natural gas in the world. I am concerned that the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of the Interior will try to stop the process. But we can drill for natural gas in Marcellus and Utica shale and do it safely," said Johnson.

"I think officials in Ohio are better prepared to make decisions about this area than bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. America was founded on the beliefs of free enterprise. And I believe Americans are crying out today to get the federal government out of the way," stated Johnson.

The first-term congressman said he recently attended a joint session of the Congress to hear remarks from the prime minister of Australia.

"As a child she said he believed Americans can do anything. And she said she still believes Americans can do anything. I know you here today believe we need to recapture the dreams and thoughts of America and that we can do anything," Johnson said.

During a question-and -answer period Johnson said he has reached out to the new owners of the former Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel facilities in the Ohio.

"I am encouraged that RG Steel purchased the Mingo Junction plant. I know they want to start up their Maryland plant, but if I were you I wouldn't give up hope. I believe you will see businesses looking to Eastern Ohio," commented Johnson.

"I also believe that once the shale drilling expands in Eastern Ohio this area will become the Saudia Arabia of natural gas. But the drilling is happening so fast we don't have the work skills to work in the industry. The governor is aware of that and I believe he will stimulate the educational process so jobs in that industry will go to the workers of Eastern Ohio," said Johnson.

According to Johnson, "I am still working hard to cut spending, create jobs and repeal the health care that was created last year. Every time a piece of legislation comes across my desk I ask how much will it cost and who will pay for it. And if I don't get the right answer my vote is 'no.'"

Responding to a question regarding military veterans, Johnson said he was "very disappointed how the Veterans Administration is misusing taxpayer dollars."

"I believe our veterans are entitled to anything they need. We owe our veterans for all of the freedoms we enjoy today," he added.

Johnson closed his comments declaring, "America can do anything because our nation believes in God. God ordained this country to be in place. The best solution to get America back on track is to get back in touch with our first love and that is God," Johnson said.

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