Roe Statement on the Domestic Energy and Jobs Act of 2012

Statement

Today, U.S. Congressman Phil Roe, M.D. (TN-01) released the following statement in support of H.R. 4480, the Domestic Energy and Jobs Act:

"The average American family buys 1,100 gallons of gasoline per year. If the price of gas fell just one dollar, from the current national average of $3.49, families would save $1,100 a year. For far too long, this administration has prioritized politics over the needs of the American people and today, in this body, we have an opportunity to work together and do what's right for the future of this country. The Domestic Energy and Jobs Act will help ease pain at the pump, create jobs, and push this country towards energy independence.

"This commonsense legislation would put several costly and potentially burdensome EPA regulations on hold while an interagency committee conducts an analysis on the potential costs and consequences of these rules. To me, it is unthinkable that we wouldn't ask agencies to consider the impact of a regulation on jobs and the economy, particularly at a time of such economic uncertainty.

"To boost our energy production, Domestic Energy and Jobs Act will require the Secretary of the Interior to act on oil and natural gas lease applications, and will cut red tape on opening up new reserves in Alaska. This legislation would also restrict the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) from being tapped unless the Administration develops a plan to allow more leases to explore for additional sources of oil.

"Lastly, this legislation would require the Secretary of the Interior to establish an all-of-the-above energy program for federal lands by reviewing the nation's energy needs and then establishing goals to meet those needs by utilizing all available resources including: oil, natural gas, coal, wind and solar.

"Obtaining energy independence is not only a key component to economic recovery; it is also an issue of national security. Becoming energy independent is far too important to the future of this country to continue to put politics before policy. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting the Domestic Energy and Jobs Act."

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