Response from Jon Porter about domestic oil drilling

Here is the response I received from Representative Jon Porter regarding my opposition to domestic oil drilling in ANWR and off the coasts:

July 8, 2008

Dear Michael:

Thank you for contacting me to express your views on our clean energy future. I appreciate you taking the time to express your views on this important issue.

As you may know, Congress is currently considering a number of measures intended to reduce the price of oil and gas as well as reduce our reliance on imported energy sources. The price of energy affects every sector of the American economy and the lives of every American. And our nation’s dependence on foreign oil threatens our national and economic security. More than half of our energy needs are derived from foreign sources such as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Demand for energy in the United States is outstripping supply, and will continue to grow as our 21st century high-tech economy expands. These higher energy costs are also squeezing family budgets, undermining farms and small businesses, jeopardizing jobs and threatening the long-term health of our economy. I am committed to ensuring an adequate supply of dependable, affordable and environmentally clean energy for America’s future.

During the 110th Congress, the House of Representatives and the United States Senate passed a comprehensive energy package that included the first CAFE standard increase in 30 years. This legislation could reduce U.S. oil use by 1.1 million barrels per day by 2020, as well as act as a catalyst for the biofuels industry. Please know that I joined 313 of my colleagues in voting in favor of this important legislation.

Additionally, I have worked tirelessly as an advocate for renewable, clean, sources of energy and providing tax incentives to promote innovation in those fields. The Solar One facility in Boulder City is an example of what investment in renewable energy sources can accomplish. I was proud to have played an important role in bringing Solar One to Southern Nevada. Nevada’s Solar One is the third largest solar facility in the world and is the first large commercial solar production plant in the Silver State.

Please know that I will continue to work to ensure that we have the energy resources we need to grow our economy and improve standards of living for all Nevadans. Again, thank you for writing me. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me in the future.

Sincerely,

Jon C. Porter

Member of Congress