Measure Designed to Increase Production, Invigorate Economy and Improve Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, yesterday joined Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., and other Senate Republicans, in unveiling comprehensive legislation to expand domestic energy production and provide a shot in the arm to the struggling economy.

The Domestic Energy and Jobs Act of 2012, sponsored by Sen. Hoeven, includes 13 measures that would truly establish an “all-of-the-above” energy plan, including congressional approval of the Keystone XL pipeline project and expanded oil and natural gas production. The legislation also includes a version of Murkowski’s language promoting the domestic development of critical minerals (S.1113).

Murkowski spoke Thursday at a press conference on the introduction of the Hoeven bill, as well as about her own legislation to expand the 2012-2017 leasing plan and provide coastal states with revenue sharing, the Offshore Petroleum Expansion Now Act (S.3438) – OPEN Act – which Murkowski introduced Wednesday.

“Our nation needs a truly comprehensive, market-based approach to developing our vast and varied natural resources,” Murkowski said. “Sen. Hoeven’s Domestic Energy and Jobs Act provides real leadership on the Keystone XL pipeline and fits well with our efforts to advance critical minerals, offshore development and revenue sharing.”

During the question and answer period with reporters, Murkowski, who is the ranking Republican on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, vowed to work to advance proposals that really do move America toward a truly “all-of-the-above” energy policy.

“We need energy legislation that allows us to access our resources in this country; for the good of the nation’s energy security, as well as the jobs that are associated with that,” Murkowski said. “We simply must get to a point where we are producing more and meeting our needs here in this country. Give us the opportunity and we can make a difference.”