Schweikert Applauds President Bush for Lifting the Executive Ban on Oil Drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)

Press Release

Schweikert Applauds President Bush for Lifting the Executive Ban on Oil Drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)

President Bush on Monday lifted the Executive ban on oil drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). "This is a step in the right direction" said David Schweikert, candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Arizona's fifth district. "We must allow more drilling at home if we are going to be independent of foreign oil. With gas prices at an all time high and the Democrat Leadership failing to realize that drilling here and now is the best temporary solution, we must elect people who are committed to protecting your liberty as well as your pocket book."

In the 1980's Congress restricted access to much of the OCS. Since then there have been advances in technology that make offshore drilling virtually free from errors like oil spills, interrupting coral reefs and fish habitats. "It is obvious that technology has caught up to the times." said Schweikert. "Now, the only thing standing in the way of these resources is the Democrat controlled Congress lead by members like Speaker Pelosi and Harry Mitchell."

President Bush asked Congress to lift the legislative ban last month and awaits their action, all while gas prices continue to rise. According to some experts, the OCS areas prohibited by Congress could yield a projected 18 billion barrels of oil.

"I hope Congressman Mitchell will reverse his stand that contributed to this crisis and join other sensible Congressmen and vote to explore additional areas for petroleum resources so that we can start on the path to national energy independence", added Schweikert.

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