Washington, Jun 18, 2008 - Today, Congressman John Sullivan released the following statement regarding President Bush’s call to action for Congressional Democrats to take steps to bring American families common sense relief from the high energy prices they are currently facing:

“I was glad to see President Bush step up to the plate and call on Congressional Democrats to take common sense steps to increase our nation’s domestic energy supply and bring energy relief to American families and businesses.  Throughout my time in Congress, I have discussed the importance of opening up areas that are currently off limits to oil and natural gas exploration, like the Outer Continental Shelf and ANWR.  With the technology that we currently have, there is no reason that these areas can not be developed in a safe, environmentally friendly way.  In addition, in last year’s Omnibus Appropriations bill, Democrats closed off areas of federal land to oil shale exploration - areas that could have a huge impact on increasing our nation’s domestic energy supply.  Some critics will say that there is already leased space available for drilling that is not being used, but that is simply a blatant misunderstanding as to how the oil and gas industry works. 

“By increasing not only domestic energy exploration, but also domestic refining capacity, we can move our nation to a position of greater long term energy security and decrease our dependence on foreign oil.  With gas prices at record levels – around $3.80 in the First District today – American families are facing a budget crunch.  If record high gas prices won’t entice Congressional Democrats to act, what will?”

 ###