Polis Statement on President Obama's Speech Regarding American Energy

Statement

Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) issued the following statement today in response to President Obama's speech on the future of American energy.

"The President today confronted the ridiculous assertion that his administration's lands policies have led to high gas prices at the pump. The "drill baby drill' mentality persists, but we simply can't drill our way to lower gas prices or long term energy independence, because when it comes to drilling we're already wide open for business. Complex issues like international energy markets need detail oriented solutions, not just catch-phrases like "drill baby drill.'

"The facts are straightforward: the Obama Administration has granted ample access to oil and gas development in the US, approving a higher percentage of permits in 2010 than during all but one year of the Bush Administration. Recent years have seen record amounts of production, yet we still see high prices. Even with this access, leased acres sit untouched by companies--roughly 57% of onshore acres sit idle--and yet the industry wants more. At the end of the day, America consumes much more oil than we can ever hope to produce. American families need real solutions, rather than being tricked into giving up more public lands and more community safeguards that don't affect the price at the pump.

"High gas prices are a demand-driven problem, rooted in speculation and international markets. Continuing to fight for increased efficiency standards, transportation alternatives, ending wasteful oil and gas subsidies, smart growth and renewable fuels is the only way we will end our addiction to foreign oil for good."

Source