[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 111 (Tuesday, July 24, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H5136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   DEVELOP AMERICA'S ENERGY RESOURCES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, President Obama continues 
to pursue an energy agenda that is contrary to his all-of-the-above 
rhetoric. There is no better example than his administration's recently 
released 5-year offshore leasing plan.
  According to the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, the plan 
proposes a mere 15 lease sales over the next 5 years, which is the 
lowest number since 1980, when CRS began tracking that data. Instead of 
allowing the development of America's vast offshore oil and gas 
resources, the plan effectively imposes a moratorium on most 
development, a moratorium which Congress lifted nearly 4 years ago. The 
plan blocks drilling on 85 percent of the Outer Continental Shelf. 
Effectively, States which sought Federal approval will have to wait 
another 12 years before any production is possible.
  Under current law, Congress has a 60-day review period to replace the 
President's plan. Last week, the House Natural Resources Committee 
passed H.R. 6082, a plan that will allow more development of our energy 
resources. Instead of a moratorium of a none-of-the-above energy 
policy, we should responsibly develop all of our resources for the 
long-term benefits of the American people.
  Mr. Speaker, the American people deserve affordable and reliable 
energy.

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