Smith Opposes Proposed Energy Roadblocks

Press Release

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE), a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, today expressed his serious concerns with H.R. 3534, the Consolidated Land, Energy, and Aquatic Resources (CLEAR) Act, during a full committee hearing at which U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar testified.

The legislation purports to streamline the development of federal energy resources. Smith expressed concern the bill creates new levels of governmental bureaucracy and increases or imposes new fees on energy development - creating roadblocks to potential domestic energy sources.

"Finding solutions to our country's dependence on foreign energy is a top priority for me. I am committed to promoting policies which secure America's position as a world leader in new energy technology without putting consumers in jeopardy.

"I strongly support programs to enhance alternative and renewable energy, and I am very encouraged by the investments in innovation and technology by the domestic producers of oil and gas for responsible development.

"Unfortunately, the CLEAR Act falls short of addressing the need to facilitate public access to domestic sources of energy. This bill creates new levels of bureaucracy which inevitably will slow new energy development. Now is not the time to further delay the advancement of America's energy portfolio," Smith said.

In July, Smith toured areas of the Outer Continental Shelf where he received briefings from the Minerals Management Service regarding offshore drilling and leasing processes as well as had the opportunity to learn more about offshore oil and gas production.

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