Tell Your Representative to Vote YES on H.R. 1229 Putting the Gulf of Mexico Back to Work Act

by: freedom works | published: 05 29, 2011

--H.R. 1229, the Putting the Gulf of Mexico Back to Work Act, introduced by Rep. Hastings (R-WA)would amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to facilitate the production of American energy resources from the Gulf of Mexico. The Obama administration has delayed or canceled offshore lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico.

--The bill would jump start offshore oil drilling by implementing a 30-day deadline in which the secretary of the U.S. Interior Department would have to make a decision on the Gulf of Mexico drilling permit applications.

--Putting the Gulf of Mexico Back to Work Act would end the Obama administration’s de facto moratorium in a safe and responsible manner by setting deadlines for considering permits to drill. The effects of the de facto moratorium on offshoring drilling can be felt at the gas pump. Gas prices are surging around the nation.

--The price of a gallon of gasoline is over $4 in most areas. A recent poll shows that 70 percent of Americans say high gas prices are causing financial hardships. Since the Obama administration imposed new U.S. drilling permit requirements in September 2010, the price of crude oil has increased by 27 percent. The bill is geared towards restarting offshore drilling leases which will ultimately reduce the price of gasoline.

--The bill would likely create tens of thousands of jobs and strengthen the economy. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that enacting the Putting the Gulf of Mexico Back to Work Act would not increase government spending. The Department of Interior’s delay in issuing offshore lease sales is having negative economic consequences.

--Chair of Banking at Louisiana State University Dr. Joseph Mason found that the de facto moratorium could cost 25,000 in the region and 35,000 nationwide. Twelve offshore rigs have already left the Gulf of Mexico and Seahawk drilling has filed for bankruptcy protection. The bill is a step in the right direction to increase America’s energy security.

Click here to see FreedomWorks' key vote on H.R. 1229.

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  Brad Giles

  I ve been told most of the drilling rigs have been removed from the Gulf and it would not be likey they will return, as there commented else where.

  Obama needs to go along with the rest of his crew before oil drilling will start up, the tree hugers should be suited in court. There assets frozen until we no longer need the oil from the middle east.

  
  

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