Rigell Votes to Open Energy Exploration of Alaskan Coast

Press Release

Rep. Scott Rigell (VA-2) voted for HR 2021, the Jobs and Energy Permitting Act of 2011 yesterday. The bill will pave the way for Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) energy exploration in Alaska and puts a check on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) efforts to derail the harvesting of vital energy resources.

"The rule makes steps to rein in a hyperactive, over-reaching federal government that refuses to consider economic impact when making regulations," said Rigell. "We have a deep obligation to protect our environment. We also have a deep obligation to get out of the way and let the good people of America get back to work."

The EPA has spent years using the Clean Air Act as a false pretext for denying drilling permits on the OCS. This measure amends the Clean Air Act to require the EPA to act on permit applications within six months; prohibits the EPA's Environmental Appeals Board from having authority to consider or deny OCS permit applications; and provides for judicial review of final agency action with regard to OCS permits. These changes will prevent the EPA from stalling the application process or using agency procedures to deny applications without cause. By establishing judicial review, permit applicants can be assured that they have recourse in the courts if they feel their permit has been unnecessarily stalled or denied.

The Alaskan Shelf could hold the largest undiscovered oil and natural gas reserves in the United States. However, the Obama Administration has continued to prevent the issuance of necessary permits for exploration, infrastructure, and production in Alaska, which is endangering the job-sustaining Trans-Alaska Pipeline System and the revenues it brings both Alaska and the federal government.

"Energy independence is a matter of national security. Increased demand, limited supply, and geopolitical uncertainty are the main factors pushing gas toward $4 per gallon," Rigell said. "We cannot continue to be held hostage by foreign nations just to fuel our economy and our cars. And now, more than ever, we need to be clearing the path for job creation in this country."

This vote is the latest in a series of job-creating, domestic energy exploration votes cast by Rigell. In May, Rigell voted to create jobs and restart energy exploration off Virginia's coast and along the Gulf Coast.

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