[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 96 (Monday, July 8, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1023]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ED PERLMUTTER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, July 8, 2013

  Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, due to unforeseen personal reasons, on 
June 28, 2013 I was not present to vote on final passage of H.R. 2231--
the ``Offshore Energy and Jobs Act.'' If present I would have voted 
``nay.''
  Domestic energy production is thriving under the Obama 
Administration's ``all of the above'' energy strategy. In 2012, 
American oil production reached the highest level in two decades, and 
natural gas production reached an all-time high while U.S. oil imports 
fell to the lowest level in nearly 20 years. Our current energy 
policies are leading to U.S. energy independence and reducing our 
reliance on Middle East oil. I am committed to promoting safe and 
responsible domestic oil and gas development, but H.R. 2231 is an 
irresponsible plan to expand offshore drilling without proper 
environmental protections and considerations.

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