Capito Delivers Radio Address, Discusses Energy

Statement

Capito Delivers Radio Address, Discusses Energy

Congresswoman Gives House Republican Weekly Radio Address

Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) made the following remarks today as she delivered the weekly radio address on behalf of Republicans in the House of Representatives:

"Hello this is Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito and I am privileged to represent the Second Congressional District in the great energy-producing state of West Virginia.

In the Mountain State, we understand energy. After all, we're one of the nation's largest coal states and we're also home to some of our nation's longest producing oil and natural gas wells.

West Virginians are playing a role in solving our nation's energy challenges with domestic energy resources, and they're looking to Congress for forward-thinking solutions. Yet, Speaker Pelosi and the Democratic leaders refuse to let the House of Representatives have a simple up-or-down vote or an open debate on a comprehensive energy policy. Instead, they chose to send this Congress home for a five-week paid recess.

With the sticker shock of gasoline, diesel and home heating oil prices, Speaker Pelosi's decision to go on a five week recess is unacceptable. It's time for serious debate and serious solutions.

Speaker Pelosi may have dimmed the lights, shut off the microphones and cut the cameras, but House Republicans never left. And for the last two weeks, House Republicans have continued to come to the House chamber to speak out in protest of the Speaker's decision.

Republicans have introduced the American Energy Act, and a bipartisan coalition of Democrats and Republicans have recently introduced the National Conservation, Environment and Energy Independence Act. Both bills represent a broad-based proposal for advancing our nation's energy policy to put American energy first and it is time that Congress act on them.

That means lifting the ban on exploring for American energy in the deep water far off America's coasts, investing in clean coal technology, promoting conservation and encouraging the development of renewable energy resources to help us find the next best fuel.

Estimates suggest that lifting the ban on deep water energy exploration could generate trillions of dollars in royalties that could then be invested in alternative energy technology.

There is no single solution to these challenges. Only through an all-of-the-above energy policy can we hope to decrease our dependence on foreign energy.

House Republicans and a growing number of rank-and-file members of both parties understand the challenges we face and are committed to achieving real solutions.

That's why I'm heading back to Washington to once again join my Republican colleagues in speaking out for meaningful energy solutions. The Democratic Leadership may have taken a break, but we have not.

This is Congresswoman Capito. Thanks for listening."

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