Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Vitter Places Hold on Nominee Until Drilling Permits Issued

Louisiana's junior Senator Vitter weighs in on the continued Obama moratorium on offshore oil and gas drilling, in both deep water and shallow water, too.

The Interior Department has destroyed jobs in Louisiana, contributing to the bankruptcy of at least one major employer, and is breaching contracts with other employers and putting taxpayers on the hook for billions of dollars. On top of that, the department is now ignoring a federal court’s contempt order and has consistently refused to answer my straightforward questions about delays in the permitting process. The department’s actions are not only harming Louisianians, but are significantly increasing the federal deficit by cutting off a major source of revenues that would otherwise be generated from offshore energy exploration,” said Vitter.

In protest, Vitter has pledged to place a hold on an Obama nominee:

U.S. Sen. David Vitter today announced a hold on Dan Ashe, President Obama’s nominee to head the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Department of the Interior, until the department issues at least fifteen deepwater exploration well permits and complies with his other previous requests for answers on the permitting process.

As I wrote about recently, Sen Landrieu of Louisiana is making her voice heard, too. Wouldn't it be great if these two would team up - in the new tone of working together! - and hold weekly press conferences on the job killing, regulation heavy, permit denying Interior Secretary and President Obama, hell bent to destroy the oil and gas industry in our country? Actions speak louder than words.

Vitter's statement during the committee hearing for nominee Ashe can be seen here:

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