Skelton: Producing More Energy at Home Is a National Security Imperative
Posted By J.T. on March 31, 2010
Today, Congressman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) issued the following statement regarding the President’s decision to open previously-restricted offshore areas for oil and natural gas exploration.
“I commend the Administration for deciding to open more offshore territory for responsible domestic oil and natural gas exploration. Today’s announcement is important to national security and to American energy consumers. If implemented properly, it will reduce the amount of oil the United States must import from foreign countries that do not necessarily have our best interest in mind.
“Further, I am grateful that the Interior Department has been coordinating carefully with the Defense Department to ensure any new offshore energy exploration does not interfere with military training. And, I appreciate the Pentagon’s increasing efforts to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil by using biofuels to power military machinery.”
I a little surprised Obama just gave this one away. Even if he really thinks it is good policy and not just good politics, he might have held on to it to be used as a bargaining chip in the forthcoming energy debate.
Of course, Skelton loves this stuff. Especially the framing of the energy issue as one of national security.