As I travel throughout Central and Southside Virginia, I regularly hear from my constituents that today’s high energy costs are bearing a significant burden on our Main Street businesses, our farmers, and our families. Not only are Fifth District Virginians suffering from high prices at the pump, but high fuel prices have caused higher prices across the board, making it increasingly more difficult for families and small businesses to achieve financial stability.
Last week, the House of Representatives passed legislation to protect expanding American energy production and create American jobs. I am encouraged by the passage of H.R. 1965, the Federal Lands Jobs and Energy Security Act, because it represents a significant milestone in our goal to achieve energy independence.
The bipartisan legislation passed by the House last week streamlines government regulations that hamper onshore American energy production and job creation. By reforming the leasing process for onshore oil and natural gas projects, H.R. 1965 harbors the expansion of efficient wind and solar permitting, as well as oil shale development.
This legislation also represents a central piece of our “all of the above” energy strategy that includes increased oil and gas production, including off of Virginia’s coast, the use of alternative energies, as well as conservation. Furthermore, not only does energy production reduce costs on families, it is also one of the few productive segments of our nation’s economy at the present time. We should be doing all we can to continue growing this important sector.
I am pleased that the House of Representatives has acted to encourage the creation of new jobs and lighten the burden on our hardworking families and small businesses. It is time that the Administration removes itself as a barrier to job creation and an obstacle to our energy independence.
I look forward to continuing my work in the House to create a sensible domestic energy policy, and it is my sincere hope that the Senate and the President will join us in this crucial effort.
If you need any additional information, please visit my website at hurt.house.gov or call my Washington office:(202) 225-4711, Charlottesville office: (434) 973-9631, Danville office: (434) 791-2596, or Farmville office:(434) 395-0120.
Robert Hurt represents the Fifth District in Congress.
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