With the national average price of gasoline approaching $4 a gallon, Americans continue to experience the negative impacts of our dependence on foreign sources of oil. They are also becoming more engaged in the effort to increase domestic energy production. Over the past several weeks, more than 18,000 Americans from 49 states have contacted Congress in support of Chairman Hastings’ legislation to increase American energy production by expanding offshore drilling, according to numbers from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In addition, many local and national organizations are joining the House’s effort to expand offshore drilling, with over 50 different groups recently announcing their support for Chairman Hastings’ H.R. 1229, 1230, & 1231. Recent polling data also suggests strong public support for House Republican’s energy legislation. In a recent CNN poll, over 69% of Americans -- Republicans, Democrats and Independents -- favored increased offshore drilling.

It is clear that Americans are ready for a change in our nation’s energy strategy. Republicans have heard these concerns and are taking immediate action to address rising gasoline prices. The House will begin to vote this week on legislation that will reverse the Administration’s damaging de facto moratorium, expand domestic energy production and grow our economy by creating American jobs.