Rep. Robert Hurt Votes To Expand Energy Development, Create Virginia Jobs

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) today released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 2231, the Offshore Energy And Jobs Act, which expands energy development and would lead to lower energy prices, economic growth, strengthened national security, and the creation of over one million American jobs, including thousands of jobs in Virginia:

 

"As I travel throughout Virginia's 5^th District, I consistently hear that the cost of energy continues to have a significant negative impact on our small businesses, our farmers, and our families. Not only are Americans suffering from high prices at the gas pump, but high fuel prices have triggered higher prices across the board, making it more difficult for families to make ends meet.

 

"Today, the House of Representatives acted to encourage the creation of new jobs and lighten the burden on our hardworking families and small businesses. Reopening the lease sales off of the coast of Virginia enjoys broad, bipartisan support, and it is time that the Administration removes itself as a barrier to job creation and an obstacle to our energy independence.

 

"The House will continue to lead on creating a sensible domestic energy policy, and it is my hope that the Senate and the President will join us."

The President has effectively re-imposed an offshore drilling moratorium and imposed a lease plan that keeps 85 percent of our offshore areas off-limits to American energy production. H.R. 2231 requires the Secretary of the Interior to conduct oil and natural gas lease sales that have been delayed or cancelled by the Obama Administration. The bill would generate $1.5 billion in new revenue over ten years according to the Congressional Budget Office and could create up to 1.2 million long-term jobs. This legislation could create 2,000 new jobs and produce more than 750 million barrels of oil and 6.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in Virginia, where responsible offshore energy production has strong bipartisan support. Robert spoke in support of H.R. 2231 on the House Floor, which you can view here.