House Approves Bill to Reverse Administration’s
Gulf Energy Moratorium

Washington, DC – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference, voted for H.R. 1231, The Reversing President Obama's Offshore Moratorium Act today. This bill would reduce energy prices and create jobs by ending the President’s year-long moratorium on energy production in the Gulf of Mexico.

“At a time when energy prices are approaching an all-time record and we are still experiencing the longest streak of high unemployment since the Great Depression, Congress needs to get serious about increasing domestic energy production,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers. “The bill we passed today will create energy jobs and reduce energy prices for hard-working Americans.”

The President’s moratorium took effect in May 2010. Since that time, U.S. domestic oil production has declined by 16% while the average price of a gallon of gas has surged by 48%. The moratorium has cost the Gulf Coast region 12,000 jobs.

“This year, America will spend about $500 billion on foreign oil,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers. “Those energy dollars should stay in America for American energy jobs. We have the resources to achieve energy independence. Now we just need the political leadership to use them.”

The Congresswoman spoke about energy at yesterday’s Republican Leadership press conference. To watch her remarks, click here.