U.S. Chamber Statement on New Moratorium

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for 21st Century Energy, today issued the following statement in response to press reports that the Obama Administration is issuing a new moratorium on offshore drilling:

“Unfortunately, the Obama Administration is not getting the message when it comes to America’s energy and economic security. Despite two federal court rulings halting the moratorium on deepwater exploration, the Administration is now proceeding with yet another blanket moratorium that will continue to cost the Gulf region much-needed jobs and America much-needed domestic oil and natural gas.

“Today, 41 business organizations in the Gulf region joined the U.S. Chamber to call for an end to this moratorium on jobs and growth, which is threatening 20,000 jobs in Louisiana alone. While a renewed focus on safety, spill prevention and advanced technology should be aggressively pursued, keeping America’s energy resources under lock and key is the wrong approach for our economy and for a more secure energy future.”

The mission of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's 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 action at the local, state, national, and international levels.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

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