For Immediate Release
House Resource Committee

January 20, 2004

 

Energy is Critical to the State of Our Union

Washington, DC - Energy is the lifeblood of the U.S. economy.  As our economy continues to grow, so too will the demand for abundant, affordable and reliable sources of energy.  With the National Energy Policy flailing in the Senate, Resources Committee Chairman Richard W. Pombo (R-CA) reminded Americans today of just how important energy is to the state of our union.  His statement follows:

When it comes to military might, healthcare technology, environmental safety, and the economy, the United States continues to be the strongest nation on Earth.  But if there is an Achilles heel in the state of our union, it is the lack of a comprehensive national energy policy.

Everything we do in modern society depends upon affordable and abundant supplies of energy, but we still don't have a national plan to secure this resource for the future.  In economic and national security terms, this is like the Red Cross not maintaining a blood bank.  It's irresponsible.

The continued strength of the United States in the 21^st century will depend largely on our access to abundant energy supplies here at home, beneath our non-park federal lands.  Despite the fact that American taxpayers own these lands and the energy that lies beneath, safe development of these resources continues to be blocked by outdated regulations and the environmental lawsuit industry.

The National Energy Policy is the key to these supplies and the affordable energy that will follow for consumers. Unfortunately, a few obstructionists in the Senate are threatening to throw it away.

Contrary to partisan political rhetoric and common sense, President Bush did not advance a national energy policy to line the pockets of 'big oil.'  He did it to secure the lifeblood of our economy, our national security, and our future.  It should be passed right away.

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