Capito Introduces Legislation To Build Roads, Highways By Expanding Offshore Energy Exploration: Increases American Energy Production, Creates Jobs, Invests In Ailing Infrastructure

Press Release

Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., introduced H.R. 2983, the Rebuilding American Roads Act (REBAR) to rebuild our highway and inland waterways systems, increase America's energy supply and put people back to work.

"The Highway Trust Fund is going broke at a time when our nation's transportation system needs serious upgrades. Instead of increasing the Gas Tax or fees, let's take the money generated from expanded energy exploration --which will also create thousands of jobs-- and invest it an area where we know we'll get the biggest bang for our buck. As projects stall due to funding uncertainty, workers are left on the side of the road without a paycheck. It's time to put these people back to work and we can do it with this bill," stated Capito, Senior Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Similar ideas have received bipartisan support and Capito hopes the House will move quickly to pass her bill. With unemployment at or above 8% for over 30 months, we cannot afford to wait another day if there's a plan out there that will create jobs in the short-term and the long-term.

"Our combined recoverable oil, natural gas and coal resources is the largest in the world. The United States should seize the opportunity to tap into these resources; however the Administration remains intent on enforcing a moratorium on exploring energy-rich areas," stated Capito. "West Virginians should not have to choose whether to buy gas or groceries when we have the resources and the tools to keep energy prices low. Expanding American energy production and fixing our nation's ailing infrastructure is essential to getting our economy back on track and people back to work."

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