Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson applauded the decision by congressional leaders to allow the moratorium on offshore drilling to expire on Sept. 30.  As the energy crisis is continuing to take a toll on American families, Simpson has repeatedly pushed for a comprehensive solution that includes increased domestic production.

“In the 25 years that the offshore drilling moratorium has been in place, our country has become more dependent on foreign sources of oil,” Simpson said.  “I have long believed that a key part of any effort to free ourselves from our dangerous dependence on foreign oil should include the development of domestic sources of gas and oil.”

The congressional moratorium on offshore drilling was originally put into place in 1982 and has been renewed annually by Congress through the appropriations process.  On July 14, 2008, President Bush lifted the executive moratorium.

“The American people have spoken loudly and clearly in favor of domestic energy production.  Republicans have heard that call, and we have spent months putting pressure on House Democratic leadership to let this moratorium expire,” Simpson said.  “I’m pleased that they have finally acquiesced to public opinion.”

Simpson joined Republican colleagues during August in continuing to debate this issue on the floor of the House of Representatives and speaking with those present about the importance of energy independence.

“While I applaud this important step toward energy independence, we all recognize that we can’t drill our way completely out of this problem,” said Simpson. “We must also continue working to improve conservation and efficiency, encourage the development of renewable and alternative energy technologies, and invest in nuclear energy.”

Simpson is a cosponsor of a number of bills that provide an “all of the above” solution to the current energy crisis, including H.R. 6566, the American Energy Act.  This legislation would encourage domestic oil production, cut red tape to increase refining capacity, provide incentives for development of alternative energy, and eliminate barriers to the expansion of nuclear power production.