Barbara Lee Opposes ANWR Drilling

Barbara Lee Opposes ANWR Drilling

Cure for ‘Oil Addiction' is Conservation, Efficiency and Renewable Energy

(Washington, DC) - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) spoke out today in favor of a bipartisan amendment to prevent drilling in the Artic National Wildlife Reserve (ANWR). The amendment the Republican Energy Bill was introduced by Representatives Ed Markey (D-MA) and Nancy Johnson (R-CT). Lee gave the following statement on the House floor:

"Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bipartisan amendment.

"Mr. Speaker, opening up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling is not the answer to our long-term energy needs.

"The fact is we are addicted to oil. The proponents of this bill would have you believe that the only way to cure an addict is to feed the addiction at whatever cost—regardless of the effect on the environment, wildlife, or the public health.

"As a former psychiatric social worker, I can tell you that does not work!

"Instead, we should be working to reduce our dependency by promoting energy efficiency and energy conservation, and funding research to develop and utilize clean and renewable sources of energy.

"By allowing drilling in the Arctic Refuge we are spoiling a pristine natural environment, furthering our dependence on oil, and contributing to record high levels of asthma in my district in West Oakland, and throughout the country.

"So I applaud my colleague from Massachusetts (Mr. Markey-Democrat) and my colleague from Connecticut (Ms. Johnson-Republican) for offering this bipartisan amendment.

"I urge my colleagues to vote yes and I yield back.

http://www.house.gov/lee/releases/05Apr20.htm