Barrasso Debunks "Use it or Lose It" Bill

Statement

Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) released the following statement regarding Senate Democrats' "Use it or Lose it" bill:

"Our nation is dependent on foreign oil because our leaders are dependent on the same old excuses. While "use it or lose it' makes for a nice sound bite, it's completely devoid of reality and not a solution for pain at the pump.

"In fact, the Secretary of the Interior already requires federal lease holders to develop oil and natural gas within five to ten years. If they don't, the Secretary can cancel their leases. Clearly, it is in the lease holders interest to complete projects as quickly as possible. It is in America's interest to make it easier for lease holders to produce energy as clean as we can, as fast as we can. The President should issue timely permits, streamline red tape, and rein in unelected bureaucrats.

"The longer we delay, the more Americans will pay. Gas prices will continue to soar until the Obama Administration and Congress decide to support an all of the above American energy plan."

Source