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The true eyesore is watching our economy decline as we purchase foreign oil when we could produce the oil ourselves and benefit everyone.

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Oil and gas drilling would greatly benefit the economy of this country and also benefit the citizens of each individual state where the drilling is taking place which could be used to better education and public services

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Do not support this bill. The oil industry has cost us billions of dollars in oil and gas clean up. I believe that we should look for a safer and Cost efficient way to get power.

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the drilling it self can be managed, but without proper protocol and safety this bill should not be passed

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I am David Konikov Representative of Kansas
I am against the bill for its lack of thought and incomplete nature.
drilling within a mile offshore is ridiculous and dangerous. the damage to the ecosystem as well as the eye sore of seeing oil rigs will heavily negate any profit made by impacting tourism and fishing .
although the independence gained from not having to rely on foreign entity's oil is important it should not come at the cost of invading protected lands and our shores.

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I, Ila Walker, see you are eager to pass this bill. But you do not realize the downside to it. Due to our revenue to the tourist and recreation industries, we will lose a tremendous amount of money if an oil spill occurs. Causing an economic loss and a worried society, and obviously a disaster.

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I, Ila Walker, Rep. of Massachusetts, reject this bill. This bill will do more harm than good. The Alaska pipeline situation, for example, proves how risky this will be for our environment. Additionally, we already have reserved areas for drilling, there is no need to search for more, just to ruin the nature of that area.

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I agree, if we can come to an agreement in where protected land stays protected, I may believe this bill to be more passable.

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Representative Ada, while I see where you're coming from, studies of existing oil and gas
development projects in Alaska show that local animal populations are as healthy and as large as in areas that do not have oil development.

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Rep. Tyler Bas of Alaska. I am in favor of this bill. By allowing the leasing of land to be drilled it would create tons of jobs and federal and state treasuries would increase by billions of dollars. It will cause a large boost in our economy and provide us with the resources we need.

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I, Rep. Ada Misenheimer of Colorado, do not support the passing of this bill. There is not enough of a benefit to consider this a success. We are risking the wildlife refugees in an effort to lower the gas prices a cent in maybe twenty years. This does not seem beneficial enough to run the risk of environmental damage.

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I, Nyla Dixon, Rep of Energy and Commerce in Kentucky and I agree on this proposal however, changes must be made in order to be equal and fair to all sides. As it would be beneficial to our country and increasing in resources with a cost that would be funded to a Refugee (ANRW)

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The sponsors of the Energy Independence Act would have you believe that passing this bill will dramatically alter this imbalance. But the facts do not support their claims.

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The sponsors of the Energy Independence Act would have you believe that passing this bill will dramatically alter this imbalance. But the facts do not support their claims.

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Their gas price shouldn't go up because due the low classes aren't able to afford the gas and it will cause people to not go out much anymore.

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I, Brandon Morgan, Rep. of Missouri agree with Rep. Norah Bernstein that the Energy Independence Act gives America the chance to be independent in terms of its energy

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My dog is doing fantastic, thank you. He drinks solid petroleum for breakfast and his sixteen eyes and five legs make him more than a man then you'll ever be.

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I, Rep. Grace Constantine of Florida, agree with the passing of the Energy Independence Act. By developing additional crude oil supplies in our country, the US could take the constraint off of growing energy costs and and relieve the pressure of gasoline prices. Those of opposition to the bill are worried about environmental disasters and damage to wildlife. However, studies in Alaska about oil and gas development, have shown that local animal populations are not affected by the oil or gas development since the animals are as healthy as the areas that
do not have oil development. It will also create jobs and add sorely needed revenue to state and federal governments and increase the United states energy independence.

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Your just mad that I stepped on your God fearing toes. You know Im right and i wont argue with a "Representative" Because your barely one, lets not act like we didn't all hear about your wife scandle, it was giving... nixon, so next time you try it just remember who your speaking too. How would your dog feel about this bill? Oh.. wait

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I, Rep. Norah Bernstein of Alaska, agree with this stance. The environment should be heavily considered in deciding where drilling is done, but the economic benefits are just too great. This country needs jobs and money! We need to head towards more independence and stop relying on the oil of other countries.

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You claim that this bill would lead to a decrease in gas prices; however, it has been shown that, on average, prices would decrease by only one cent. additionally, in response to your claim of decreasing natural disasters, the increased risk of oil spills presents itself as an even more of an environmental bad thing - soren jones of nevada

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Response to the Response by Jordan Dumb (CO) by Rep. Rogers (OH)

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Response to the Response by Jordan Dumb (CO) by Rep. Rogers (OH)

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Did you forget you're ALSO just a representative? Maybe go take a government class. Don't try and play with the big boys. I am so tired of you LOSER LEFTISTS saying 'climate change'. Yeah obviously climate changes, things tend to change over time! Like your receding hairline, snowflake.

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I,, Brandon Morgan, Representative of Missouri am for the Energy Independence Act. The economical benefits this bill will have on our states and country as a whole is too great to pass up. The Energy Independence Act also will bring in jobs for citizens of the Country. Although I will agree that if the Energy Independence Act is passed certain precautions should be placed to insure that offshore drilling is done safely.

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response to Soren Jones of Nevada by Ariana Lane

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response to Soren Jones of Nevada by Ariana Lane

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I completely agree. The only way this bill could begin to have any standing is if there were some major incentives included to promote clean energy. The negative environmental impacts, which are practically guaranteed when looking at the history of bills like these, are simply not worth it.

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I, Winslow Hastie of  Kentucky, believe that Offshore drilling, and the extraction of natural gases, will only support the American economy, allowing them to become more Oil independent, and more self reliant, while at the same time generating mass revenue, and supplying hundreds of thousands with jobs all across the country.

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I, Winslow Hastie of  Kentucky, believe that Offshore drilling, and the extraction of natural gases, will only support the American economy, allowing them to become more Oil independent, and more self reliant, while at the same time generating mass revenue, and supplying hundreds of thousands with jobs all across the country.

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I, Rep. Norah Bernstein of Alaska, support this bill. While I do worry about the environmental repercussions of drilling on a protected wildlife refuge, the revenue made from oil drilling would be extremely beneficial for Alaska and the US. The environmental repercussions are no where near as important as that! The revenue made from this proposed bill would allow the government to create jobs for thousands of unemployed people. This bill would allow us to become a more energy independent country.

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Response to Adrienne Rogers of Ohio From Jordan Dunne of Colorado 

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Response to Adrienne Rogers of Ohio From Jordan Dunne of Colorado 

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You have gone so far radically right that you have went left this bill is an overstep of federal power, but not in the way you are insinuating. The power of exploration is that of the federal government, meaning YOU OHIO rep have no part in the drilling, although its clear you want to kill animals, you can do that with your hunting buddies, not on our taxpayers dimes. You must understand that this exploration is good for neither party, or any party for that matter because with the destruction to the natural environment we are just increasing our climate issues, and i know you lunatics don't believe in "ClIMatE ChAnGe" but you'll start believing it when your looking up on your granddaughter from hell who drowned due to the environmental damage you caused.

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I, Rep. Ariana Lane of Massachusetts, disagree with with this bill. Not only does it open up more of the coastal and ocean areas, which are already accessed by the oil and gas industry, it is a continuation on America’s dependence with nonrenewable energy sources. This bill is only projecting a to decrease gas prices by 1 cent, 20 years from now.

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I, Soren Jones of Nevada, disagree with this bill. The economic benefits of implementation do not account nor make up for the environmental consequences that will occur. This bill would lead to a country that is more reliant on nonrenewable resources, the destruction of coastlines and protected areas, and would result in nearly no benefit to the citizens.

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I, Jordan Dunne, Representative of Colorado, Am against the Bill. It is clear to me that the destruction that will come from the allowance of the federal governments explorations will cause much more harm than good for such little payout. This bill will not only harm Wildlife Reserves but it could have major damage to the natural environment. A 1 cent reduction in gas that may not happen for 20 years is unacceptable. The energy usage that this bill would require is insane, and in 20 years by the time we have that 1 cent payout, the harm to the environment would have been already detrimental. This bill is also unconstitutional because it allows the federal government to infringe on states rights and individuals rights with its exploration.

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Response to Brett Hunter of Kansas by Rep. Rogers (OH)

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Response to Brett Hunter of Kansas by Rep. Rogers (OH)

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Have you considered that animals die anyway? Drilling in protected areas not only increases our domestic production, it makes the water a nice pretty rainbow. I thought demon-crats were supposed to support the gays??

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I, Rep. Adrienne Rogers of Ohio wholeheartedly disagree with this bill. It it simply LUDICROUS that the government believes it can tell us that we cannot drill closer than three miles from the coast. This is an overreach of their power, and I will not stand for this. Here in Ohio, we stand for opening ALL protected areas for drilling purposes, not half-opening. If some animals die, so be it. This is not a vegetarian country, this is a CARNIVOROUS COUNTRY! STAND UP TO BIG OCEAN! MAKE AMERICA DRILL AGAIN!!

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I disagree with this rep.'s argument. This representative fails to see that the bill would not damage the health of our nation because the both the states and the federal government would grow in revenue which would increase our nation's health economically.

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I, Rep. Alex Park of Kansas state, believe that oil drilling doesnt effect wildlife to the extent in which you claim. There is an ongoing study in Alaska concerning this, and it proves it has little to no effect.

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I, Rep, Gio Cusatis of Florida agree with this bill. The economic profits of drilling make it worth it especially for state revenue. It would ease the burden of energy cost for Americans all over.

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I, Rep, Gio Cusatis of Florida agree with this bill. The economic profits of drilling make it worth it especially for state revenue. It would ease the burden of energy cost for Americans all over.

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I, Rep. Grace Nelson of Florida, am for the Energy Independence Act. Looking at the bill, you can see that this bill would keep the oil in the U.S. instead of being obligated to getting it to other countries. The states also get equally as much revenue from this as well which would increase the states' revenue.

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As a rep. from Alaska (Emily Apostolico) I have to agree that oil drilling can be beneficial in regard to income,the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce is all for this bill! our main mission
of this organization is to drive positive change for Alaska’s business environment. So the increase in revenue would be a huge plus.

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Rep. Vincion of South Dakota State: Yes to drilling

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Rep. Vincion of South Dakota State: Yes to drilling

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Opening up protected federal areas to allow for drilling for oil and natural gasses will improve the economy and financial state of the nation. The United States will have more oil to use for themselves, which will reduce gas prices greatly. Fuel will be more efficient and natural gas will minimize the effects of natural disasters.

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Rep. Alex of Missouri State do agree with the bill. The passing of the bill has the potential to increase oil production by 20%, opening up thousands of job opportunities and millions of barrels in oil. It is proven in a study that oil drilling isnt environmentally disastrous and also doesnt endanger the wildlife population.

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Replying to the anonymous letter concerning millions lost in oil spills disputing my(William Lamar's) illustrious claims

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Replying to the anonymous letter concerning millions lost in oil spills disputing my(William Lamar's) illustrious claims

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Although the assessment of dangerous spills causing millions in losses is accurate, you fail to recognize the net revenue that would easily tend to such a natural disasters through its use of funds numbering hundreds of millions of dollars in such states as Louisiana.

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While opening up these areas to drilling may open job opportunities, it will ultimately not lower gas prices. The projected amount that prices will decrease is by one cent. It will only leave the country in a more dangerous position that could result in the possible loss of millions due to oil spills and cleanups that have plagued our drilling projects in the past.

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The argument that minimally lowering the cost of gas is the only potential benefit of the bill is misleading. The bill also provides ample room for economic development in multiple much more impactful manners, such as new employment opportunities numbering the tens of thousands as well as independent state revenue.

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Emily Apostolico Rep.  of Alaska state, agree with the drilling bill. Allowing the Federal government to drill in previously restricted areas can increase the federal governments revenue. The Federal government could use this increase in revenue to help fund national security projects. Implementing this act could open up economic doors as well as becoming a step closer to being an energy independent country.

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I, Flora do agree with you William as the bill should be passed, however I don't believe we should drill everywhere. To further protect our resources, we should not drill on protected areas.

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I, Representative Flora Majkrzak of Nevada support the bill to drill. However, I should preface my stance by saying that oil should ONLY be drilled on non protected federal land. If an area happens to be protected, no oil should be drilled from such areas. If drilling does occur in these areas, it could be a detriment to not only the areas themselves, but the entire country. These areas need to remain protected as they house valuable resources and should not be exploited. If oil is drilled from unprotected areas, we can see many benefits for the US and the world. If the US is able to drill their own oil, they won't need to drill in other countries. It would make the US more independent and not dependent on other countries for oil.

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support the energy bill because it provided ample opportunity for increased economic gain through new streams of revenue and job availability in the regions enumerated. I also believe the bill should involve a portion of the revenue from drilling to be used for wind farms in the same areas used for drilling in order to also sponsor sustainability with the drilling project.

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These Alaskan drilling areas that have good populations have EPA oversight. This bill does not propose such oversight, thus creating a risk of environmental hazard. This bill should not be passed as it is.

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I, Brett Hunter of Kansas, am against the passing of this bill as it is. The environmental detriments are of great concern to my constituents, drilling may disrupt thriving populations and disturb the ecosystem of these protected areas.
I am not completely opposed of this drilling, the bill shows promise of boosting our economy through fostering jobs, but it should not happen in protected areas. An amended version of this bill is more likely to gain my vote.

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I, Rep Margie Moore of Massachusetts, am against the bill because if we lease areas in Alaska to drilling, we are only reducing domestic gas prices by 1 cent. 1 cent is not worth the risk of oil leaking and devastating local wildlife not to mention the cost of cleanup that would greatly reduce any possible profit.

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While I understand your stance and the points that you're making, studies show that these animals populations are healthy and the monetary pros still hold a lot of weight.

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I, Rep. Madyson Brown of Alaska, agree with the passing of the Energy Independence Act. Through opening up oil reserves to the federal government there is potential to decrease gas prices and have benefits for businesses through organizations such as the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce. It would add to our countries energy supply and it's about time the US became energy independent.

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Representative Abby, I completely agree. There is so much risk with barely any reward. One cent, 20 years into the future off of gas per gallon is not worth it whatsoever.

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I, Rep. Ella Tolbert of Missouri, see that a common argument is that we may lose billions of tourist dollars. However, the funds that we would see produced from this Bill could increase annual revenues in coastal states, increase job opportunities, and increase our current domestic production of oil by 20%. Basically, this Bill will make money and help to fill the gaps where we are lacking.

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I am Rep. Tyler Caplea of Florida and I approve of this bill. Offshore drilling is an excellent source of income for our state and as long as we make sure that the drilling companies drill safely, we can still keep our beautiful beaches that we are all so proud of.

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Although you pose a valid argument I, Rep. Thea Putney of Nevada do not agree with you. You  claim that the "drilling in these areas would endanger wildlife" but contrary to the fact studies of existing oil and gas development projects in Alaska have actually shown that local animal populations are as healthy and as large as in areas that do not have oil development.

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Hello, I am Representative Justin of Kansas and I do NOT support this bill.
This bill is completely useless and does not have nearly enough pros to ignore the cons. The monetary and environmental risks that are being taken with this bill are reason enough to not pass it. Animals, both in the ocean and in the refuges, are imperiled with the chance of oil spills or leaks, so why not place oil production anywhere else?

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I, Rep. Drye, am in agreement with these statements. As pertains to the money at risk of being lost, the risks far outweigh the benefits of slightly cheaper gasoline prices, and the taxpayer will take the burden should these disastrous events occur, outweighing any savings they managed to gain from these prices. Overall, the bill is detrimental on a federal and personal level.

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I,  Rep. Ella Tolbert of Missouri, agree with this bill. Not only will the passing of this bill increase our oil production by 20% our current domestic production, but it will also provide job opportunities to thousands of Americans. While I understand the fear of detrimental effects on the enviorment and animal populations, studies show that animal populations in areas that do not have oil development are healthy.

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Rep. Thea Putney of Nevada
My position on this bill is that I am in full agreement of it. It would decrease the amount of oil the US would have to import from other countries thus making the US less vulnerable to these oil producing countries. States' revenue would increase exponentially. For example, Louisiana's revenue would increase from an annual revenue of $32 million to $860 million. Increasing states' annual revenue would help boost the US' economy. The bill would also create thousands of jobs. For example, the ANWR project alone would create 50,000 to 65,000 jobs across the country.

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I agree with this argument. Also, if people do not care about the environment and are in support of this bill, they are unaware of the money that can be lost from oil drilling. Effects from this bill can haunt us twenty years from now as the price of oil goes down.

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I am Representative Aurora Drye of Colorado state, against the bill expanding federal land use for oil and natural gas drilling.
These areas that would be drilled in under this bill are protected in order to conserve the environmental state of our nation. Drilling in these areas would endanger wildlife and compromise the integrity of our health as a nation. In a world overpowered by industrialization, few areas remain largely untouched by the hands of mankind, and we should strive to maintain these lands, not to exploit them for very little profit gain.

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Greetings to the House. I, Rep. Abby Short of MA, do not agree with this bill. According to this bill, congress would have the power to further develop land for oil production, yet in doing so we risk potential environmental disaster. In 2006, 200,000 gallons of crude oil spilled in Alaska, devastating the ecosystem around the spill. Also, by opening up the coast for oil drilling, billions of tourist dollars can be lost if there was another spill. Believe me when I tell you that passing this bill will not end well.

Remember to vote for me in this upcoming election!

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Use this space to make a "speech" detailing your perspective on the proposed bill. Be sure to include
1. Your name (Rep. ________ of ________ state) 2. Your position on the bill
3. A persuasive argument supporting your stance

Then create a SECOND POST responding to a fellow member's speech. You could present a counterargument, or further the argument of a colleague (key word being FURTHER...don't just add agreement without more information/argument)