Today, Congressman Leonard Boswell released the following statement after President Obama announced that the Administration would expand offshore oil and gas exploration to include areas along the East Coast and other targeted coasts, in addition to outlining the Administration's comprehensive domestic energy strategy.
"To meet America's energy needs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil, we must employ a diversity of domestic production methods and sources. The President's announcement today to allow oil and gas drilling off the eastern seaboard and other targeted coastal areas represents our country's pragmatic and comprehensive approach to energy production. Iowa already plays a crucial role in reducing our nation's dependence on OPEC and the Middle East through its production of biofuels and wind energy. With my introduction of the Renewable Fuels Pipeline Act to establish a safe and efficient way to transport biofuels from the Midwest to the East Coast, I expect that our state will continue to play a key role in America's homegrown energy industry."