Contacts:

Matt Dempsey Matt_Dempsey@epw.senate.gov (202) 224-9797

David Lungren David_Lungren@epw.senate.gov (202) 224-5642

Obama’s Interior Dept. Decision in the Gulf Puts Symbolism over Substance

Inhofe--‘Jobs, Energy Security at Risk without Clear Path on Permits’

Washington, D.C. - Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, issued the following statement today in reaction to the Interior Department’s announcement on the Obama Administration’s deepwater drilling moratorium.

“The bottom line from today’s announcement by President Obama’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE) is clear: Jobs and energy security remain at risk,” Sen. Inhofe said. “BOEMRE’s decision provides no clarity to those concerned about the Obama Administration’s new de facto moratorium on offshore domestic energy production.  Domestic energy producers, and the tens of thousands of people they employ, face a regulatory landscape marred by uncertainty and a clear bias against expanding America’s oil and natural gas production. 

“We must ensure that the highest safety and environmental protections are necessary components of offshore production.  Such requirements, moreover, should be balanced with considerations for more jobs, more energy security, and more economic growth.  The Administration’s actions lack that balance. 

“I and many others will be conducting proper oversight in the coming months to monitor how the Administration is implementing its new regulations.  It should be held accountable for how taxpayer dollars are being spent and how its actions are affecting safety, the environment, jobs, and the economy."                                                                  

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