CAES News
CAES TO HOUSE RESOURCES COMMITTEE: ACT NOW ON SOLUTIONS TO U.S. ENERGY CRISIS
New Poll Demonstrates Floridians Get It, Want Congressional Action for Access to Energy on the Outer Continental Shelf
WASHINGTON, DC – The Consumer Alliance for Energy Security (CAES) today released the following statement following the hearing on H.R. 4761, The Domestic Energy Production through Offshore Exploration and Equitable Treatment of State Holdings Act of 2006.
“Chairman Pombo and the members of the House Resources Committee deserve praise for holding a hearing to consider one of the many bills that would safely access America’s abundant energy supply on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). H.R. 4761 is a step in the right direction toward finding a solution to the energy crisis that has enveloped the U.S. There are several bills pending before the House and the Senate that need action and attention. We urge Congressional leaders to heed the wishes of the public: find solutions to the U.S. energy crisis now.
“Even as the House Resources Committee held hearings on H.R. 4761, a new poll released by our affiliate in Florida this morning demonstrates that Floridians understand the breadth of the energy problem facing both FloridaU.S. Moreover, they believe that accessing the abundant energy supplies on the OCS is a viable solution to lowering energy prices for all U.S. consumers, including small businesses, agribusinesses, hospitals, schools and manufacturers of consumer goods. and the
“The survey’s findings are revealing. There’s no question, now is the time for Congress to act.”
Editor’s Note: A summary of the results of the survey of Florida voters are available at www.secureourenergy.com. The top-line results are below:
• 93% of Floridians consider the rising cost of energy in their communities a serious problem
• 88% say higher energy costs are having an impact on their families’ monthly budgets
• 74% agree that current energy policies limiting access to natural gas supplies need to be changed
• Nearly 60% favor increasing offshore drilling for natural gas on the Outer Continental Shelf
• 54% believe that increasing energy production and supply in the US is the most effective solution to help lower energy costs
• 76% say increased energy costs are hurting Florida’s economy and threatening jobs