They say that imitation is the best form of flattery, but what happens when it’s not imitation? What happens when your close friend and ally is taking bold steps ahead while you’re being arbitrarily held back? Look no further than what’s happening with America’s friend and ally Australia. 

Just this week, the Australian government awarded 13 oil and natural gas permits for drilling off the Western coast of Australia. With these permits, energy companies have committed $173 million to new oil and natural gas exploration over the next three years. This move was welcomed by the Australian government.

Here at home, the opposite is happening. The Obama Administration continues to block production of our offshore energy resources. In fact, President Obama’s current five-year offshore lease plan contains the lowest number of lease sales ever offered since the process began in 1980 and keeps 85 percent of our offshore areas off-limits to energy production. 

The House Natural Resources Committee has taken aggressive steps to expand access to America’s abundant natural energy resources. The Committee recently approved  H.R. 2231, which would expand American offshore energy production. This important legislation opens new areas to offshore energy development and directs the President to implement a new five-year lease plan that includes areas with the most oil and natural gas resources. It also establishes equitable offshore revenue sharing between coastal states and implements important reforms to make sure energy development is safe, efficient, and working FOR the American taxpayer. H.R. 2231 is a positive step forward to creating AMERICAN jobs, lowering the cost of energy, bringing more money into the U.S. Treasury, and making America more energy secure. 

It’s time to take a cue from our friends down under and imitate their steps to expand offshore energy production.