Hall Supports Pro-Jobs, Pro-Energy Bills

Press Release

This week Rep. Ralph Hall (TX-04) voted in support of two bills that would create new American energy jobs, grow the economy, expand energy production, strengthen national security, and lower energy costs. On Thursday, the House passed H.R. 1613, the Outer Continental Shelf Transboundary Hydrocarbon Agreement Authorization Act, 256-171. Today, the House passed H.R. 2231, the Offshore Energy and Jobs Act, 235-186.

"Helping Americans who are struggling by promoting job creation and a healthy economy is my top priority, and I am pleased that this week the House passed two pro-jobs, pro-energy bills that would improve the lives of all Americans," said Hall. "For kids today, I believe that other than the word "prayer,' "energy' is the most important word in the dictionary."

The Offshore Energy and Jobs Act would help Americans by creating 250,000 jobs in the short-term and 1.2 million jobs long-term. This bill would also grow the economy by generating $1.5 billion in new revenue over 10 years. The Offshore Energy and Jobs Act would reverse the President's moratorium that blocks access to affordable energy. It requires the President to implement a new five-year leasing plan that moves forward with energy production in areas containing the most oil and natural gas resources which are currently not being utilized.

"When President Obama first took office, nearly 100% of America's offshore areas were available for energy production. Unfortunately, the President has taken steps to re-impose an offshore drilling ban, and now less than 15% of America's offshore areas are available for energy production. Americans are paying the price for this Administration's move backward on energy," Hall said.

Similarly, the Outer Continental Shelf Transboundary Hydrocarbon Agreement Authorization Act opens new areas to oil and natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico by enacting the terms of an agreement signed by the President's Administration and Mexico. Currently, 67 lease blocks on the U.S. portion of the Gulf Coast of Mexico's border prevent access to an estimated 172 million barrels of oil and 304 billion cubic feet of natural gas.

"In addition to much-needed new energy jobs and increased access to our energy resources, these bills also strengthen national security by making the U.S. more energy independent, and help families save money at the gas pump by lowering energy prices," Hall added.

"I will continue to support legislation that promotes job creation, a healthy economy, affordable energy, and America's energy independence."

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