Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, today praised House passage of legislation, H.R. 1230, to increase America’s domestic energy production by proceeding with already-scheduled oil and natural gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and offshore Virginia.  By focusing on the resources we have here at home, America can fortify its energy security while creating jobs for struggling Michigan families and protecting them from skyrocketing gas and energy prices.  H.R. 1230 passed the House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 266-149 and now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.

Upton made the following statement this morning on the House Floor in support of this legislation and America’s energy future:

Most Americans understand the concept of supply and demand.  And, in fact, a third of our oil now comes from the Gulf.

The Department of Energy Information Agency tells us that last year’s production in the Gulf was 20 percent less than projected in 2007.  And in 2012, we are going to be getting a half-a-million-barrels-a-day decline in production from 2010.

What happens when the production goes down and the demand goes up?  The price goes up – way up.  Add to that the uncertainty and unrest in the Middle East, and there is no surprise that we have gas prices at $4 and $5 now in this country, and who knows where they are headed.

This legislation – if we pass it today, get it enacted – helps turn the key to unlocking the door on domestic energy production.  This legislation is not about new lease sales, it simply catches up with the leases already approved. 

Upton supports an “all of the above” energy strategy, a commonsense approach to meeting our nation’s growing energy needs through the development of domestic energy resources, a renewed commitment to safe nuclear power, and the utilization of renewable and alternative energy technologies.

Click HERE to watch Upton’s statement on the House Floor.