Fred Upton National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling final report FULL TEXT

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI), chairman of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement today after the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling released its final report: National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling final report FULL TEXT in PDF FORMAT

“With rising energy prices and growing global demand, the last thing America can afford is to lock away our own resources and increase our dependence on foreign sources of energy. Our goal must be an ‘all of the above’ strategy that safely and responsibly develops American-made energy.

“The Commission’s report is one of several investigations into the Deepwater Horizon spill, and its findings will be among those considered as we work to prevent this type of disaster from ever being repeated. That’s why it is disappointing that, even after completing its final report, the commission has left unanswered the fundamental question of what went wrong. Rather than clearly identifying the root cause of this unprecedented disaster, the commission’s report is limited to general assertions about the enforcement agencies and industry as a whole.

“Neither this nor any investigation should be used as political justification for a pre-determined agenda to limit affordable energy options for America. Without clear and specific evidence of what went wrong with this isolated well, unlike the tens of thousands that have never experienced similar failures, we will not learn the lessons needed to ensure a disaster like this will never happen again. It would be a mistake to conclude that our only path forward is to cede our energy future to foreign corporations and governments who do not share our commitment to safe, responsible resource development." # # #

Final Report: National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling final report FULL TEXT in PDF FORMAT

TEXT CREDIT: House Energy and Commerce Committee January 11, 2011 By Alexa Marrero, (202) 225-3641 or Sean Bonyun, (202) 225-3761 2125 Rayburn House Office Building | Washington, DC 20515 | (202) 225-2927

IMAGE CREDIT: Deepwater Horizon BP Oil Rig Fire 2

Lucas Elected as Chairman of Agriculture Committee

WASHINGTON – Rep. Frank Lucas of Oklahoma issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed House Resolution 6, which formally elects him as the Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee for the 112th Congress.

"As a student of agriculture economics, a rancher by trade, and a Member of this Committee from the start of my service in Congress, I am honored to have this opportunity and responsibility. I am also proud to be serving as the first Chairman of the Agriculture Committee from Oklahoma. I will continue to use my experience and perspective as a producer to help shape our nation’s agriculture policy.

"We have our challenges ahead. We must work our way out of this budget mess and rein in wasteful spending.

"But, we also have opportunities for economic growth. We must implement the three pending free trade agreements with Korea, Panama, and Colombia. And, we must encourage the administration to act on opening up other trade opportunities overseas for our farmers and ranchers. Foreign markets are critical to the economic viability of rural America.

"It is imperative we prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from imposing standards which would cripple American agriculture and stifle economic growth in rural communities.

"The work of the Agriculture Committee, including reauthorizing the farm bill in 2012, affects every American; ensuring that our farmers and ranchers have the tools they need to produce an abundant and affordable food and fiber supply is as important to our country as national defense.

"I look forward to working with Ranking Member Collin Peterson and the other Members of our Committee as we move forward to ensure the health and vitality of production agriculture and rural economies," said Chairman Frank D. Lucas. ###

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: House Committee on Agriculture FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 6, 2011 MEDIA CONTACT: Tamara Hinton, 202.225.0184 tamara.hinton@mail.house.gov