Rep. Foster Supports Domestic Drilling

Press Release

Votes to Responsibly Increase Domestic Fuel Supply

In a continuing effort to address the energy crisis, Rep. Bill Foster voted today in support of the H.R. 6515, the Drill Responsibly in Leased Lands (DRILL) Act.

"It's time for action," Foster said. "I wholeheartedly support responsible drilling for oil and gas as part of a more comprehensive solution to solve our energy crisis. The DRILL Act helps make more oil available as quickly as possible, and I will continue to support responsible drilling plans that will make an effort to quickly increase our domestic energy supply."

The DRILL Act promotes responsible domestic production of oil and natural gas by opening 20 million acres of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A), which can be developed more quickly because it is partially leased and available for more leasing. The NPR-A is estimated to contain approximately 10.6 billion barrels of oil, more than in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).

The legislation also calls on energy companies to develop the already-leased 68 million acres of federal land for oil and natural gas production. As part of the "Use it or Lose it" provision, federal land is more efficiently managed by telling companies to develop their leased land, or return it so another firm can. The DRILL Act is designed to increase the domestic supply of oil, and make that supply available as soon as possible.

"Energy independence is a top priority for me and the people of the 14th District. As a former scientist and businessman, I know this problem will not be solved overnight, but with support for legislation like the DRILL Act, we will move closer to bringing relief from high gas and grocery prices to the businesses and families of the 14th District and beyond," Foster said.

The DRILL Act was brought to the floor under a legislative procedure designed to bring the bill to a vote with limited debate, but requiring 2/3 majority for passage. Although the DRILL Act failed to achieve a 2/3 majority vote, the bill will likely be brought back for another vote requiring only a simple majority in the future.

Concluded Foster, "Regardless of today's outcome, I will continue to support and vote for responsible domestic drilling of oil and natural gas."

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