Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Rob Wittman voted for legislation today to boost American energy production and help cut the cost of fuel for Americans. Wittman was an original cosponsor of H.R. 4899, the Lowering Gasoline Prices to Fuel an America That Works Act. The legislation passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 229-185, and included two amendments offered by Wittman to increase the responsible development and exploration of sources of energy off the coast of Virginia.

“Americans are desperately in need of responsible, commonsense action to relieve the pain at the pump, and this bill achieves that while also increasing American jobs,” Wittman said. “The resources are there, and this bill simply expands access to them by clearing red tape and unlocking areas where exploration is currently banned. My amendment today ensures that certain sites that have previously satisfied National Environmental Policy Act requirements – such as tracts off the coast of Virginia – can be added to the Interior Department’s five-year oil and gas leasing plan. In Virginia, especially, there has been bipartisan support at all levels of government for increased exploration of such resources as oil and natural gas.”

Wittman has long been a leader in efforts to encourage the Administration to drop its ban on energy development off the coast of Virginia in a responsible manner that ensures proper coordination with the military to ensure continuity of operations. He has also been a consistent advocate for renewable energy sources, including offshore wind.

“I’m also pleased by the overwhelming support today for another amendment I authored, which would have benefits both for energy exploration and for promoting STEM education. My amendment encourages geological and geophysical education by letting the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management partner with colleges and universities in the south Atlantic region (including Virginia) to promote offshore seismic research, especially those institutions that admit and educate our nation’s returning veterans. A better understanding of our offshore resources and further preparation for our students is absolutely critical for America’s energy renaissance.”

H.R. 4899 would streamline and improve onshore and offshore energy permitting. Among other provisions, the legislation would direct the Administration to hold lease sales off the coast of Virginia, and would also create a new revenue sharing formula to be phased in for coastal states, an important measure for Virginia. After the new revenue sharing formula is completely phased in, it will grant a 37.5% portion of the revenues received by the U.S. to all coastal states within 200 miles of a leased tract, dividing the proceeds among the states in relation to their proximity to the leased tract.

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee, where he is a member of the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs, and the Subcommittee on Energy and Minerals Resources. He also serves on the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.

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