Energy
America is a country rich in energy resources and emerging technologies, and I support an all-of-the-above energy strategy that encourages domestic production, reduces our dependency on foreign oil and explores alternative energy solutions.
Oil and natural gas production has shaped Oklahoma’s economy since shortly after statehood, and it continues to do so today. While I am supportive of our traditional energy producers and protective of the thousands they employ, I have also supported tax credits that promote renewable energy development—like wind power—and incentivizes consumers to use renewable and alternative fuels. In addition, I believe that expediting the permitting process for liquefied natural gas exports (LNG) and lifting the 40 year-old ban on crude oil exports is essential to ensuring independence from foreign oil suppliers. We achieved that objective in the omnibus spending bill for fiscal year 2016.
Hampering domestic energy production is not the path towards a robust economy and job growth. Unfortunately, in recent years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been busy formulating a national plan to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Such drastic changes in energy policy would have damaging consequences for our economy, including a dramatic increase in electricity prices. As a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, I have worked with my colleagues to cut EPA funding more than 20 percent, cut back staff to 1989 levels and stop regulatory overreach.
More on Energy
Despite claims that he wants to work with the new Congress and enact positive reforms for the American people, President Obama certainly isn’t starting off the year in a way that reflects such intentions. By already threatening to veto any legislation on Keystone XL that makes it to his desk, the president is choosing environmental extremists over hardworking Americans who would benefit from the thousands of jobs created.
Newsmax - John Blosser
Just when gas prices at the pump finally are headed downward, leave it to Congress to start eyeing an opportunity to raise more money for highway infrastructure improvements by, you guessed it, raising the gasoline tax.
However, one influential member of Congress, Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., thinks there are better ways to raise the needed money than by reaching into drivers' pockets at the filling station.
