STATE OF ALABAMA

Office of the Governor


BOB RILEY
Governor
 

Press Office

July 03, 2008

Governor Riley Calls for Energy Independence in Fourth of July Message

MONTGOMERY - As Americans celebrate Independence Day, Governor Bob Riley says Congress must take steps now to make America energy independent.

In a video message released to coincide with the Fourth of July, the Governor is again urging Congress to allow for more energy exploration to free the country from its dependence on foreign oil.

Last week, Governor Riley sent a letter to U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi urging her to allow for debate on a bill that would lift restrictions on energy exploration offshore, on federal lands in the West and the Alaskan tundra. In the video message, Governor Riley encouraged Alabamians to join him in sending the message to Washington that America needs to be in charge of its own energy future.

The following is a transcript of Governor Riley’s message.

All Americans look forward to celebrating Independence Day. But this Fourth of July, we find ourselves in a different type of struggle for independence. Today we’re in a struggle for energy independence, but Congress is standing in the way.

Because of restrictions passed by Congress, we can’t explore for energy here at home. We can’t tap into 18 billion barrels of oil that lie 50 to 200 miles off our shores in deep water. Because of Congress, we can’t access oil shale out west where there is the equivalent of 800 billion barrels of oil - enough to replace the amount of oil we currently import for more than 160 years. And because of Congress, we can’t reach the 10 billion barrels of oil in a remote part of Alaska - which Congress had originally set aside for energy exploration in 1980.

That’s why I’ve sent a message to Congress calling on them to take steps now - steps that will put America in charge of our own energy future. And as we gather with our families to celebrate Independence Day, I hope Alabamians all across the state will join me in sending that message to Washington.

America is blessed with vast energy resources. With today’s technology these resources can be brought to market in an environmentally-safe manner. Will it take time for these changes to have an impact? Yes it will. That’s why Congress should start now, so that by our next Independence Day celebration, we’ll be on our way toward energy independence.