"The Interior Department's Fish and Wildlife Service has resurrected a Clinton-era tactic known as 'sue and settle.' With this strategy, outside green groups friendly to the Administration sue the government, demanding a particular regulatory action. The agency happily forswears court and sits down with the plaintiffs to reach a settlement." Fishing for Wildlife Lawsuits March 10, 2013 Wall Street Journal By Editorial Board The Senate last week gave a warm confirmation welcome to Sally Jewell, until recently the head of outdoor equipment company REI and now President Obama's nominee to run the... Read More »
A Congressional Research Service (CRS) memo released this week shows that wages for workers in oil and gas extraction have increased over 23% since 2007. During a time period in which the U.S. has faced dire unemployment rates, rampant job loss, and near economic collapse, workers in the oil and gas industry have continued to see above average increases in earnings. The oil and natural gas industry supports over 9.2 million jobs, boasts an average annual salary of over $96,000.00, and plays a vital role in supporting almost every sector of the U.S. economy. A recent study showed that opening c... Read More »
Today, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, and Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell sent a letter to Interior Secretary Nominee Sally Jewell asking for a re-examination of the Administration’s policies towards energy exploration and production on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). The Administration has continually blocked access to energy resources in Atlantic waters, and even canceled a previously approved lease sale off the coast of Virginia. According to the letter, energy production from the Atlantic OCS could create more than 140,000 new jobs wit... Read More »
Gasoline Costs Hit Families' Finances February 5, 2013 Wall Street Journal By Tennille Tracy Gasoline prices took a big bite out of Americans' pocketbooks in 2012. The average U.S. household paid an estimated $2,912 for gasoline last year, sucking up nearly 4% of the average household income before taxes, according to government data out Monday. That is the highest percentage in three decades, with the exception of 2008, when the rate was nearly identical. Many people are trying to cut down on fuel costs as they crunch the numbers on other family expenses. At an Exxon station just a few blocks... Read More »
Manufacturers of computer chips, fiber-optic cables, semi-conductors, life-saving medical imaging devices, and other advanced technologies are already calling for passage of H.R. 527, The Responsible Helium Administration and Stewardship Act. This bipartisan legislation, introduced this week by Chairman Doc Hastings, would prevent the closure of the Federal Helium Reserve, which by law is scheduled to close later this year resulting in a 30 percent reduction in the global helium supply. The legislation applies free-market reforms to the sale of helium from the Reserve, ensuring its continued o... Read More »
House Resources Chair Doc Hastings and Interior Sec Ken Salazar, who said he'd be sticking around a few more months. twitter.com/susanferrechio… — Susan Ferrechio (@susanferrechio) January 21, 2013 Read More »
Wildfire prevention is 1st priority in new Congress Glenwood Springs Post Independent Rep. Scott Tipton January 14, 2013 As we begin the 113th Congress, I'm incredibly honored to have earned the trust of the people of the 3rd Congressional District and to serve as their representative for a second term. During my first term, I focused on advancing the issues that most directly impact Coloradans. Many of the most pressing items we worked on involved our state's extensive open spaces and natural resources, including improving the conditions of our forests to prevent catastrophic wildfire. Follo... Read More »
