Press Releases

As part of the House of Representatives’ comprehensive efforts to lower energy prices and secure energy independence, they today passed the Offshore Energy and Jobs Act, H.R. 2231. Currently, 85 percent of America’s coast is closed to drilling under the Obama Administration, and this legislation takes smart steps towards opening up the country’s offshore oil reserves for exploration and development. Representative Brad Wenstrup voted for the bill’s passage:

“I have long supported an all of the above energy plan, and that must include our resources below the ground. From the Marcellus Shale in Ohio to our offshore energy reserves, God has shed his grace on this land with an abundance of natural resources. H.R. 2231, the Offshore Energy and Jobs Act, would finally allow access to off shore energy deposits, providing true energy security for our country and budget security for our families,” said Wenstrup.

Under President Obama, offshore drilling leases have been restricted to historic lows. At the same time, gas prices have climbed from $1.84 in 2009 to $4 in 2013. Opening up a greater area for offshore drilling under H.R. 2231 has the potential to create 250,000 short-term and over a million long-term domestic jobs.

Wenstrup continued, “This bill is an energy plan and a jobs plan. While enabling the creation of hundreds of thousands of American jobs, it also drives down energy prices for all Americans. Despite President Obama’s war on coal, the House is working towards smart solutions to domestically meet our energy needs in an environmentally responsible way. Americans cannot afford a new normal of $4 gas and 7 percent unemployment under this administration.”