406 Dirksen EPW Hearing Room
John Barrasso
Senator
Barrasso Statement on Oil Spill in the Gulf
“It is important to remember that this tragedy does not change America’s energy needs and our continued dependence on foreign oil.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) delivered the following statement at the Senate Energy and Natural Resources hearing regarding the oil spill in the Gulf:
“There is no coastline in Wyoming. But we know quite a bit about energy production, about treasured landscapes and about wildlife protection.
“The tragedy unfolding in the Gulf of Mexico is heart-wrenching.
“Communities and people’s economic livelihoods are in jeopardy.
“Our first priority needs to be stopping the leak and containing the spill.
“The companies and the Administration need to be working around the clock with state and local officials and anyone who wants to lend a hand.
“Reading the written testimony for today’s hearing, I hear one message, and the message is ‘don’t blame me.’
“Well shifting this blame does not get us very far.
“I am hopeful that we can learn from this experience.
“First to better prevent another massive spill, and also to ensure we have an immediate and effective response.
“It is important to remember that this tragedy does not change America’s energy needs and our continued dependence on foreign oil.
“Blocking future offshore exploration only means we will import more from foreign countries.
“I am confident that America can do a better job of developing offshore energy than Azerbaijan, Nigeria, and Venezuela.
“If there is a way to make the process safer and the response more effective, then it’s very important that we implement it immediately.”
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