Drill Responsibly in Leased Lands Act of 2008

DRILL RESPONSIBLY IN LEASED LANDS ACT OF 2008 -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 22, 2008)

SPEECH OF
HON. BETTY McCOLLUM
OF MINNESOTA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2008

* Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6515, the Drill Responsibly in Leased Lands (DRILL) Act. I would like to thank the Speaker and the Democratic Leadership for taking action on the urgent and vitally important issue of high fuel prices and energy security.

* In the face of high gasoline and fuel prices that are creating economic hardship for Americans, it is important that we maximize use of the resources that we have at our disposal today. The DRILL Act does this by requiring oil companies to drill in the 68 million acres of federal lands already leased but sitting idle. Such a measure is an important first step in our country's energy policy.

* We have heard many calls from President Bush and our Republican colleagues for opening up new lands for drilling, both in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Though these may seem like quick-fixes to our energy problems, they are misleading and do not address the problem of high prices and dependence on fossil fuels in the short or long-term. Neither OCS nor ANWR would produce oil for at least the next ten years. Congressional expert projections indicate no significant impact on oil and natural gas prices before 2030. Even then, there is no guarantee that increased production would affect prices at all. Oil prices are determined on an international market, and OPEC could neutralize the effect on oil prices by offsetting any additional supply U.S. oil production brings to the market.

* The reality is that while we must look for ways to increase our domestic oil production in the shorter-term--as the DRILL Act does,--we cannot drill ourselves out of our energy problems in the long-term. The United States consumes 25 percent of the world's oil but only holds 3 percent of the world's known oil reserves. To ensure our country's security, prosperity, and environmental sustainability we must shift to cleaner sources of energy and increase efficiency in our energy use. Moving to clean, renewable energy sources will enhance our energy independence, bolster our economy through the creation of green jobs, and promote environmental sustainability. Biofuels, wind and solar energy are promising alternatives to oil and coal, and it is vital to invest in research and production incentives for these technologies. At the same time we must increase energy efficiency in our buildings and transportation sector.

* Most importantly, Americans must think critically and proactively about lifestyle changes that simultaneously preserve the prosperity of our country and promote responsible stewardship of our planet.

* Mr. Speaker, America's energy problem is a daunting one, but it is one we can solve if we work together to enact responsible policies for the short and long-term. I urge my colleagues to support the DRILL Act, as it is an important first step in the right direction. In the long-term, we must enact smart, forward looking policies that move us toward cleaner, sustainable energy and ensure prosperity and a healthy planet for future generations.

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