Washington, Jul 14, 2008 -

Congressman John Sullivan released the following statement regarding President Bush’s decision to lift the executive ban on drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf and called on House Democrats to follow suit and immediately allow a vote on legislation to lift the congressional ban.

“I applaud the President’s decision to lift the executive ban on offshore drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf, which is a critical first step toward increasing the supply of American-made energy and ending our dependence on foreign sources of oil.  Throughout my time in Congress, I have been a strong advocate of a safe and environmentally friendly approach to opening up areas that are currently off limits to oil and natural gas exploration, such as the Outer Continental Shelf and ANWR. Last week, I joined several of my House colleagues in sending a letter to President Bush urging him to take this decisive action.”

“The American people – including an overwhelming number of First District residents- support a comprehensive solution to our current energy crisis that includes lifting the ban on offshore energy exploration. Now all that stands in the way of tapping our nation’s offshore reserves, and increasing production of American-made energy, is the democrat controlled Congress.  The longer House Democrats delay in allowing a vote on the drilling ban, and putting America on a path to energy security, the longer Oklahoma families will continue to pay more than they should for a gallon of gasoline.”