Oppose H.R. 702: The Foreign Energy Dependence Act
Oppose H.R. 702: The Foreign Energy Dependence Act
“Why can't we produce American energy in America for Americans?”
–Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), 7/29/08
Dear Colleague,
For decades, one of the primary goals of American energy policy was to make the United States energy independent. Until recently, House Republicans seemed to share that goal:
“We need more supply, and everyone agrees it should be our own energy, not foreign.” –Doug Lamborn (R-CO), May 5, 2011
“Why can't we produce American energy in America for Americans? … Public opinion policy shows that 85 percent of Americans want to produce more American energy in America for Americans.” –Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), July 29, 2008
“…it is entirely possible that we could see total energy independence in this country in the next 10 years. Imagine what our foreign policy could be if we were energy independent. We could make Middle Eastern oil, turmoil, and politics irrelevant.” –Ted Poe (R-TX), November 19, 2013
“The goal should be to reduce the amount of energy coming into this country and becoming more energy independent so we can actually help people, so that we can come to the point where we are producing enough energy from this energy-rich Nation…” –Rob Bishop (R-UT), November 19, 2013
“The United States' dependence on foreign oil is one of the gravest national security issues facing our country. If we want to reduce its dependence on foreign oil, we must properly utilize all our resources right here in America.” –Paul Gosar (R-AZ), June 1, 2011
Unfortunately, the U.S. is far from energy independence, as we currently import over 7 million barrels of crude oil every day. Yet Republicans have decided that energy independence should now take a backseat to the wishes of Big Oil, which no longer cares if American energy is used in America by Americans, and simply wants a few extra dollars a barrel through selling domestic oil abroad.
The plain fact is this: H.R. 702 will require us to import more foreign crude, as every U.S. barrel we ship overseas will have to be replaced by a new foreign barrel coming in, often from suppliers such as OPEC.
Lifting crude oil export restrictions without measures to decrease oil consumption and increase renewable energy sources is a recipe for increasing foreign oil dependence and energy insecurity. It is exactly the opposite of what this country has fought for over the past 40 years.
Support energy independence and oppose H.R. 702!
Sincerely,
Raúl M. Grijalva
Ranking Member
House Committee on Natural Resources
Press Contact
Media Contact: Adam Sarvana
(202) 225-6065 or (202) 578-6626
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