U.S. Chamber Cautions Against Delays in Opening Oil and Gas Leases on the Outer Continental Shelf

WASHINGTON, DC - Christopher Guith, vice president for policy at the Institute for 21st Century Energy, an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, today issued the following statement on Interior Secretary Ken Salazar's announcement to extend the public comment period by six months and delay until this fall the review of proposed leasing plans for future oil and gas exploration and production in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS):

"With America's continued reliance on imported oil, we urge the Obama Administration to not let bureaucratic processes slow down the path to energy security."

"Expanding domestic production will reduce America's dependence on imported oil and significantly reduce the billions of dollars we send abroad each year for energy. Producing American energy on and off our shores has the potential to be an engine of economic growth creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and generating more than $1 trillion in royalty revenue to the government."

"The Institute for 21stCentury Energy agrees with Secretary Salazar's statement that America requires a 'comprehensive energy plan' to keep America secure, spur economic growth, and meet growing global energy demand. We urge our national leaders not to shy away from proven sources of energy as we take the important and necessary steps to diversify our energy mix."

"We look forward to working with President Obama, Secretary Salazar, and the 111th Congress to ensure these American energy resources that are so vital to America's economic and energy well-being are made available."

The Institute for 21st Century Energy, an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, made recommendations to expand oil and gas leasing on and off America's coasts and increase renewable sources of electricity among its nearly 90 policy recommendations to the President-elect and 111th Congress in its Blueprint and Transition Plan for Securing America's Energy Future.

The mission of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for 21st Century Energy is to unify policymakers, regulators, business leaders, and the American public behind a common sense energy strategy to help keep America secure, prosperous, and clean. Through policy development, education, and advocacy, the Institute is building support for meaningful energy action at the local, state, national, and international levels. To read more about the U.S. Chamber's Institute for 21st Century Energy, visit www.energyxxi.org/.

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation, representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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