Western Caucus Dismayed at Secretary Salazar Decision to Restrict Access to American Energy
January 13, 2010
Press Release
Members of the Congressional Western Caucus responded to Secretary Salazar's decision today to unilaterally cancel oil and gas leases in Utah following a seven-year comprehensive, open and public land management planning process. Secretary Salazar's decision will prohibit responsible access to over 130,000 acres of land containing a significant source of American energy and will stifle much needed economic development in the West.
Upon hearing of Secretary Salazar's decision, Congressman Rob Bishop (UT-1), Chairman of the Western Caucus, said, "Frankly, I'm astounded at the timing of this decision. At the very time our nation is debating legislation to create jobs and shore up our economy, the Department of Interior is taking steps to kill jobs and economic development in my home state. This sale would have expanded employment and stimulated the economy of Utah. Secretary Salazar's decision today has robbed taxpayers of millions of dollars of royalties and tax payments."
Congressman Dean Heller (NV-02), the Policy Chairman of the Caucus commented: "Our country needs to take a broad approach to energy development. Congress and the Administration should embrace energy policies that promotes conservation, encourages renewable energy development, and increases our domestic oil supply in an environmentally safe manner. Closing access to domestic energy hurts our economy, deprives our nation of revenues, and places our long-term energy security in jeopardy. It is disappointing that Secretary Salazar who is from the west has decided to side with east coast environmental interests," said Heller.
"This is truly disappointing that on the heels of $4-a-gallon fuel prices last year, the Interior Secretary would take more American energy off the table. Our country desperately needs more, not less, energy from both traditional and renewable sources. Taking more land out of production puts us further at the mercy of nations hostile to the United States. It also is a body blow to American consumers just when our country needs to create more jobs. It is odd that the Obama administration would talk about stimulating jobs on one hand and make life more difficult for consumers and working families on the other," said Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05).
Congressman Jason Chaffetz (UT-03), responded to the decision saying: "I was cautious in my initial assessments of President Obama and his newly appointed Interior secretary, Ken Salazar – hopeful even that they would both recognize the important role the Intermountain West plays in securing our nation's energy security and independence. Today's action, by Executive fiat, is a cruel kick to an already downtrodden economy. This action deprives Utah and the US Treasury of needed income during a time of severe economic recession, and it deprives the rural parts of my state of the best paying and most stable jobs out there. It also deprives all Americans of valuable American-made energy resources. It's hard not to be cynical when the Democratic Administration, drunk with its newfound power, makes such irresponsible decisions."
"American energy, produced by American companies, who employ hard working Americans, is the best possible stimulus package Congress could adopt. Yet the news out of the Interior Department today will only increase our dependence on foreign unstable countries and send more money and jobs overseas. It's time for the Secretary to treat our natural resources as the asset that they are and to work with Utah delegation to find a viable solution," said Congressman Glenn Thompson (PA – 05).
Congressman John Shadegg (AZ-03) commented: "The Obama Administration is now attacking Americans. Simply put, Secretary Salazar's action today will cost Americans jobs. America has energy resources which need to be developed and it is insane to outsource those jobs to energy industry workers in Saudi Arabia, Russia and Venezuela."
Continued Cong. Bishop, "It is disappointing to see the first major decision from a nominee who promised to be a moderate voice at the Department of Interior be one that seems to directly follow orders from special interests. I sincerely hope this is not a sign of things to come."
The Western Caucus, established in 1992 and comprised of nearly 40 members of Congress, has long advocated responsible economic and energy development in the West and throughout America.
Upon hearing of Secretary Salazar's decision, Congressman Rob Bishop (UT-1), Chairman of the Western Caucus, said, "Frankly, I'm astounded at the timing of this decision. At the very time our nation is debating legislation to create jobs and shore up our economy, the Department of Interior is taking steps to kill jobs and economic development in my home state. This sale would have expanded employment and stimulated the economy of Utah. Secretary Salazar's decision today has robbed taxpayers of millions of dollars of royalties and tax payments."
Congressman Dean Heller (NV-02), the Policy Chairman of the Caucus commented: "Our country needs to take a broad approach to energy development. Congress and the Administration should embrace energy policies that promotes conservation, encourages renewable energy development, and increases our domestic oil supply in an environmentally safe manner. Closing access to domestic energy hurts our economy, deprives our nation of revenues, and places our long-term energy security in jeopardy. It is disappointing that Secretary Salazar who is from the west has decided to side with east coast environmental interests," said Heller.
"This is truly disappointing that on the heels of $4-a-gallon fuel prices last year, the Interior Secretary would take more American energy off the table. Our country desperately needs more, not less, energy from both traditional and renewable sources. Taking more land out of production puts us further at the mercy of nations hostile to the United States. It also is a body blow to American consumers just when our country needs to create more jobs. It is odd that the Obama administration would talk about stimulating jobs on one hand and make life more difficult for consumers and working families on the other," said Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05).
Congressman Jason Chaffetz (UT-03), responded to the decision saying: "I was cautious in my initial assessments of President Obama and his newly appointed Interior secretary, Ken Salazar – hopeful even that they would both recognize the important role the Intermountain West plays in securing our nation's energy security and independence. Today's action, by Executive fiat, is a cruel kick to an already downtrodden economy. This action deprives Utah and the US Treasury of needed income during a time of severe economic recession, and it deprives the rural parts of my state of the best paying and most stable jobs out there. It also deprives all Americans of valuable American-made energy resources. It's hard not to be cynical when the Democratic Administration, drunk with its newfound power, makes such irresponsible decisions."
"American energy, produced by American companies, who employ hard working Americans, is the best possible stimulus package Congress could adopt. Yet the news out of the Interior Department today will only increase our dependence on foreign unstable countries and send more money and jobs overseas. It's time for the Secretary to treat our natural resources as the asset that they are and to work with Utah delegation to find a viable solution," said Congressman Glenn Thompson (PA – 05).
Congressman John Shadegg (AZ-03) commented: "The Obama Administration is now attacking Americans. Simply put, Secretary Salazar's action today will cost Americans jobs. America has energy resources which need to be developed and it is insane to outsource those jobs to energy industry workers in Saudi Arabia, Russia and Venezuela."
Continued Cong. Bishop, "It is disappointing to see the first major decision from a nominee who promised to be a moderate voice at the Department of Interior be one that seems to directly follow orders from special interests. I sincerely hope this is not a sign of things to come."
The Western Caucus, established in 1992 and comprised of nearly 40 members of Congress, has long advocated responsible economic and energy development in the West and throughout America.
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