PORTER COMMITTED TO LOWERING GAS PRICES

Files discharge petition to move common-sense energy bill to the floor

 August 8, 2008 Press Conference PHOTOS - porter.house.gov/

Washington, DC– As the Democrats make final preparations to leave Washington for five weeks, Congressman Jon Porter filed a discharge petition Wednesday morning on the Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act, H.R. 6108, giving Democrats another opportunity to bring forward common-sense energy legislation that will help reduce the price at the pump.

The number one issue weighing down Southern Nevada’s economy and draining the wallets of Nevada families is the prohibitive cost of gas – and Congressman Jon Porter is doing his part to ensure Congress addresses the ongoing energy crisis before members return to their districts for August recess.

H.R. 6108 would reduce the price of gasoline by enabling the United States to responsibly explore its own outer continental shelf to produce American energy.  The legislation would grant coastal states the authority to keep exploration 100 miles from their coastlines and it would also allow states to share in the revenues received.  A discharge petition requires the signature of 218 members of Congress in order to bring the measure to the floor for a vote.   

With gas prices in Southern Nevada at over $4 a gallon since the start of the busy summer driving season and in an effort to find a solution, House Republicans have been forced to file discharge petitions to force votes on a wide array of bipartisan energy legislation.  So far, despite their rhetoric, not one Democrat has joined Republicans in calling for a vote to lower gas prices or reduce our dangerous and growing dependence on foreign oil.

The DOER Act leaves the ban on Outer Continental Shelf natural gas exploration intact within 100 miles for one year – and keeps it in place on oil for two.  States are given the option to make that moratorium permanent.  This legislation would also protect neighboring states by creating a buffer zone should they oppose American energy exploration. 

“This legislation will provide relief for Nevadans and businesses struggling to make ends meet because of oppressive energy prices,” said Porter.  “At the same time, this legislation will also move our country toward energy independence and a healthy reliance on alternative fuels. It is past due that this Congress pursues bipartisan, common-sense solutions. Nevadans and all Americans are demanding results and the leadership in this Congress has done nothing to reach this goal."