[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 1]
[House]
[Page 1327]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  LACKING A COMPREHENSIVE ENERGY PLAN

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, last week, at the same 
time that oil broke $100 a barrel, the President traveled to the Fifth 
District of Pennsylvania, home of the first oil well 151 years ago and 
to the world's largest natural gas play. It was an honor to have 
President Obama visit the Commonwealth and highlight the research being 
done at Penn State on energy efficiency. I was hopeful the President 
would touch on the importance of domestic energy production, especially 
oil, coal, and natural gas--each just as critical to any credible 
energy plan.
  Unfortunately, I remain convinced that America lacks a comprehensive 
plan to end our reliance on foreign oil. In too many instances, this 
administration has undermined America's path to a comprehensive plan. 
This administration has withdrawn oil and gas leases in the West, 
imposed a moratorium on drilling in the Gulf, placed huge portions of 
the Outer Continental Shelf off limits to new offshore drilling, and 
proposed billions in higher taxes on American energy. These actions 
will not help cease America's dangerous reliance on foreign oil.
  Our Nation needs a low-cost energy supply for economic growth and 
security. I hope my colleagues--on both sides of the aisle--will join 
me in that effort.

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