Press Releases

Hobbs, New Mexico. – Governor Romney released his plan for North American Energy Independence early Thursday morning. Members of the Congressional Western Caucus released the following statements in response to the Governor’s plan:

"Governor Romney's comprehensive energy policy recognizes that the West plays a vital role as an economic engine for our country.  Unlike the Obama Administration's energy policies which hamper job creators and handcuff America's energy producers, Governor Romney is offering a bold strategy to develop our natural resources, create jobs and make our country energy independent by 2020.  Governor Romney understands the key to rebuilding America's middle class lies in unleashing the potential of the West."  – Congressman Steve Pearce (NM-02), Chairman Congressional Western Caucus

“Finally Americans have the choice of a realistic and worthwhile energy plan. Governor Romney’s practical approach is what we’ve needed for years and what we’ve been falsely promised. Harnessing the energy potential of this country by allowing states to move forward with production, creating millions of jobs in crippled economies and defending our national security by ending the stronghold of foreign energy is not only necessary but logical. I’m looking forward to setting this plan in motion.” -U.S. Representative Cynthia Lummis, Vice Chair Congressional Western Caucus  

“The Romney energy plan will play a critical role in helping lift America’s middle class by helping restore many of the high-paying energy and manufacturing jobs lost under President Obama. The proposal to allow the state’s more flexibility and control over oil and gas permits on federal lands is especially encouraging.  In Colorado it takes on average only 27 days to get a permit to drill on state lands, compared with 307 days on federal lands. This kind of common sense reform will help increase our domestic energy production and put Americans back to work.

“I am excited to see Governor Romney’s plan utilize our vast natural resources located on the federal estate and I look forward to working with him and his administration to advance access to American energy and jobs.” – Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05), Chairman Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee

“I strongly support using an all-of-the-above energy approach to increase American production and decrease our dependence on foreign energy sources. We have resources in the United States, like the prolific Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale areas here in Texas, that can lead us to energy independence. All we need is the opportunity to harness these energy sources, and Mitt Romney’s plan of fairer regulations, greater access to offshore areas and regional partnerships will allow us to achieve this.” - Congressman Francisco “Quico” Canseco (TX-23)

“Governor Romney’s plan for North American energy independence clearly outlines a path toward greater prosperity for our country, for states, and for businesses and families. The plan is in stark contrast to the energy agenda set by President Obama, whose lack of knowledge about economic policies led to onerous regulations and mandates that reversed previous advancements toward energy independence and in the process, destroyed thousands of long-term and well-paying jobs. President Obama’s misguided efforts to pick winners and losers within the renewable energy industry cost taxpayers billions, manipulated the free market, and left thousands without work. Governor Romney’s plan takes our country in the right direction. By growing domestic energy, prices will be more affordable, millions of jobs will be created, and our country will be more secure.” - U.S. Congressman Rob Bishop (UT-01), a senior member of the House Natural Resources Committee and Chairman of the House Natural Resources National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Subcommittee. 

“Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan have a vision for America that is rooted in the jobs and economic growth that comes using the bounty of resources we have at here at home.  Far from President Carter’s call for warmer sweaters or President Obama’s call for endless subsidies, Governor Romney has put forward a plan that enables Americans to produce the energy that is sitting under our feet.

“American ingenuity has unlocked vast new quantities of energy resources and American hard work can produce these resources, if the government will get out of the way.  Governor Romney’s energy plan will put Americans back to work and grow the economy.  I applaud him for putting forward and energy plan rooted firmly in his vision for America’s future.” – Congressman Mike Conaway (TX-11)

"The difference between President Obama and Governor Romney can be summed up by their approach to the Keystone pipeline.  Where President Obama has stalled and used every excuse in the book to put off this important project, Governor Romney couldn't be clearer in his commitment to seeing it through to completion.  Where President Obama plays political games with our energy security -- emboldening countries which do not have our best interests at heart, Governor Romney has laid out a clear plan to maximize North American resources and to lessen our dependence on unfriendly nations.  It is time for new leadership." – Congressman Lee Terry (NE-02)

"Ensuring that this nation achieves energy independence is critically important to America's future security and prosperity. Today, Governor Romney has introduced a diverse and all-encompassing energy strategy that will make use of all of our natural resources, create much needed jobs, and accomplish complete energy independence in less than a decade. It is time to stop spending hundreds of billions on foreign oil and begin to implement real solutions that will lower energy prices, provide more efficient and cleaner fuels, and eliminate American dependence on expensive, imported energy. Governor Romney has shown he is ready to lead on energy reform and I'm proud to support his plan." - Congressman John Campbell (CA-48)

"The Romney energy plan enhances our energy security, approves the long-awaited Keystone pipeline, and promotes responsible exploration and development within the U.S. that will help bring down prices at the pump. His blueprint will restore local control over decisions to develop and produce all forms of energy on federal lands. Under Governor Romney's plan, states will be empowered to do what is best for job creation within their own state boundaries, rather than having to kowtow to federal bureaucratic measures that prevent innovation and development." - Congressman Cory Gardner (CO-04)

To read Governor Romney’s full energy plan, click here.