Did you know that the ban on off-shore drilling and oil shale recovery on federal lands expires on September 30, 2008?
An increasing number of Americans are learning that Congress can either let the ban expire, or prevent exploration and development in these resource-rich areas by extending it when they return in September. With both Democrats and Republicans feeling intense pressure from constituents about high gas prices, it looks increasingly likely that the ban, in its current form, will not be extended.
October 1, 2008 has been dubbed “American Energy Freedom Day” by Senator Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina) and Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas). These leaders have been working the issue with allies in the Congress, as well as spearheading a grassroots public education campaign to communicate the absurdity associated with extending the ban.
In addition, 112 House Republicans have thus far participated in an unprecedented campaign to protest inaction by the House congressional leadership (read: Democrats) on advancing a plan that meaningful helps consumers at the pump, and with other high energy costs. These Republican members have traveled back to Washington, D.C. during the August congressional recess to take to the floor, giving speeches on the need for House Democrat leaders to take action on the energy issue.
According to an August 16 statement by Rep. Adam Putnam (R-FL), Chairman of the House Republican Conference, he and his colleagues are looking for “an up-or-down vote on a truly comprehensive, pro-American, pro-production energy strategy that eases the pain at the pump and lessens our dependence on foreign oil.”
The pressure is working, as both House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California) and Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama (D-Illinois) have backed down on their previous “no way, never” drilling stand in favor of some type of “compromise.”
Which brings us to the next chapter in the drilling saga.
A “Gang of Ten” in the Senate has forged a “compromise” that raises taxes on energy companies, allows only four states to opt-in to a government-managed offshore drilling program, leaves shale oil and ANWR off the table, and places unrealistic requirements on our nation’s auto-manufacturers.
So, this “Gang of Ten” wants to raise the cost of energy production (which will raise the price of oil for consumers) with the federal government dictating the drilling program. Oh, and the bill would ban drilling within 50 miles of the coast, which just happens to leave the most productive areas off limits.
If this plans sounds ugly, unproductive and well – anti-energy supply…that would be a correct analysis. Sort of where the U.S. is right now.
Senator DeMint has secured 36 signatures from Senate colleagues for a letter he plans to send to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) when Congress resumes its work in September. The letter protects October 1 as “American Energy Freedom Day,” and will urge Senator Reid to “actively oppose” any attempt to extend bans on offshore drilling and oil shale beyond their expiration at the end of September. Congressman Hensarling is gathering signatures on a similar letter in House (with over 130 signers to date).
Senator DeMint says “every senator should sign on because it’s irrational to say ‘no’ to proven American energy during this crisis.” He urges every American to call their U.S. Senators and ask that they sign the letter.
American consumers have helped to change the hearts and minds of many members of Congress on this issue. Congress is bending towards the common sense notion that the U.S. must tap into its vast home-grown energy supply that we have been blessed with as a nation.
But, consumers cannot let up! Continue to keep the pressure on! October 1, 2008 will be “American Energy Freedom Day” if the public stays engaged, and demands such a result -- it will happen.
Karen Kerrigan
President, SBE Council
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