The Consumer Alliance for Energy Security (link to http://www.secureourenergy.com/) today released the following statement after passage of
H.R. 4761, the Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act (link to http://www.secureourenergy.com/natural-gas-news/the-deep-ocean-energy-resources-act), by a
232-187 vote in the U.S. House of Representatives:
's8220;The U.S. House of Representatives today scored a major victory for U.S. consumers, American jobs and a competitive economy by passing H.R. 4761. Finally, after nearly three
decades, Congress is sending the message to consumers that help is on the way -- help to lower energy costs which have been crippling manufacturers, farmers, small businesses and seniors
on fixed incomes. The wisdom and leadership of those House Members who supported H.R. 4761 can be measured by the relief provided by lower energy costs for all Americans.
's8220;We also commend the Members from coastal states who recognize the adverse impact high energy prices are having on the American economy and energy consumers. They agree with the
experts who know that by using the latest, state-of-the-art technology, we can safely access the abundant energy supplies on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). The OCS has enough natural
gas to heat 100 million homes for 60 years, and enough oil to drive 85 million cars for 35 years. Moreover, H.R. 4761 gives states new authority in how energy exploration is conducted and
allows them to benefit from revenues derived from those resources off their coast.
's8220;We agree with those who advocate strongly for conservation and more robust development of alternative fuels. But these same advocates must also understand that we cannot conserve
our way out of the current crisis nor can we fully develop alternative fuels like ethanol, hydrogen and other clean energies without increased supplies of domestic natural gas. We need a
balanced energy portfolio, including a robust, domestic natural gas supply. Passage of H.R. 4761 is a vital step toward reaching that objective.
's8220;It's8217;s now time for the U.S. Senate to act. Every American is counting on them to do the right thing and safely expand access to America's8217;s abundant energy supplies on the
OCS.'s8221;
The Consumer Alliance for Energy Security is a broad-based coalition of consumers, industrial and institutional energy users committed to alleviating the current U.S. energy crisis by
pushing for greater access to the abundant supply of domestic energy on the Outer Continental Shelf - OCS. On the Web at http://www.secureourenergy.com