FreedomWorks Builds Legislative Support for Energy Freedom Day

On October 1, 2008, the Consolidated Appropriations Act that prohibits the exploration of domestic oil, shale, and natural gas development in the Outer Continental Shelf and much of the West expires. Only an act of Congress will keep these potential energy sources from being developed and giving Americans some relief from record energy prices.

It is estimated that 18 billion barrels of recoverable crude oil and more than more than 55 trillion cubic feet of natural gas is currently being locked away from consumers.

To ease the pain at the pump, Congressman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), Chairman of the House Republican Study Committee and Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC), Chairman of the Senate Republican Steering Committee, are leading the effort to open up these domestic sources by prompting the American Energy Freedom Day on October 1, 2008. They are recruiting legislators in the House and Senate to oppose any extension to the ban on developing domestic sources of energy.

FreedomWorks activists in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina have turned up the pressure through district office visits, phone calls, and emails to Senators in these states. These efforts are bearing fruit. Senators Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Richard Burr (R-NC), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) all recently pledged to support Energy Freedom Day.

FreedomWorks is planning to keep up the pressure in Georgia and North Carolina to encourage Senators Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) and Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) to also support Energy Freedom Day. Under the leadership of Southeast Regional Director Allen Page, more calls, emails, and office visits are being engaged.

FreedomWorks President Matt Kibbe commented:

“At a time when energy prices are squeezing budgets and gas continues to hover around $4 a gallon, there is no excuse for Congress to block domestic sources of energy. We need action, not more rhetoric. FreedomWorks salutes Rep. Hensarling and Sen. DeMint for taking a serious step towards the energy policy reform that Americans are desperately looking for. FreedomWorks activists across the country will continue to pressure lawmakers to support American Energy Freedom Day and put legislators on the record on where they stand on gas prices and energy production.”