Harris supports offshore drilling

Published: Sunday, August 10, 2008 8:35 AM CDT

EASTON GOP Congressional candidate Andy Harris, presidential candidate John McCain, and the Talbot GOP are calling for drilling and development of other domestic energy resources to reduce gas prices, strengthen the dollar and add thousands of new jobs to the economy.

Harris met with members of the Talbot GOP Thursday and in a press release underscored the importance of their effort to rally the public behind offshore and domestic drilling, to increase energy supply and stop the transfer of $700 billion dollars to foreign suppliers of oil.

"Congress needs to act now," Harris said. "Expanding domestic production of oil through lifting the ban on offshore exploration is fundamental to solving the energy crisis. Increased production is essential to meet the ever increasing demand for oil until the next generation of alternative energy technology becomes economically feasible."

Harris previously has stated his support for expanded use of nuclear power and continued work on alternative sources of energy such as wind and solar.

Kate Boland, chairman of the Talbot Republican Party, said, "For over 30 years our energy policy has been 'just say no' to development of domestic energy. This has led to a dangerous dependency on foreign oil. The sharp rise in energy costs has been a major factor in the slowdown of the economy. When President Bush recently revoked the executive order banning offshore drilling, the price of a barrel of oil fell by nearly 20 percent. Almost three-quarters of Americans want more drilling."

The Talbot GOP is urging residents to send a message to Congress by signing the American Solutions "Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less" petition. The petition calls on Congress to act now to lower gas prices by allowing offshore drilling and development of domestic energy resources. The petition is available at the GOP HQ at 7 Federal St. in Easton. For more information, call 410-770-4747.

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