WASHINGTON, D.C.– At a press conference held today outside the Capitol building, U.S. Congressman Patrick Meehan (PA-07) announced his cosponsorship of the Infrastructure Jobs and Energy Independence Act. The bill was unveiled today by the bipartisan House Energy Working Group led by Congressmen Tim Murphy (PA-18), Tim Walz (MN-01), Bill Shuster (PA-09) and Jim Costa (CA-20).

“As gas prices continue to rise and unemployment steadies at 9 percent, it is time for serious and practical solutions to some of our nation’s biggest problems,” said Congressman Meehan.  “That’s why I’m supporting this comprehensive plan to help secure our country’s energy future, invest in alternative energy sources, improve our nation’s infrastructure, and help put Americans back to work. I applaud the bipartisan House Energy Working Group for their leadership on this important issue. I urge my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring this bill.”

The Infrastructure Jobs and Energy Independence Act allows for the safe and responsible expansion of offshore oil and gas exploration, and directs the $2.2 to $3.7 trillion in anticipated revenue to create jobs, clean the environment, and increase renewable and alternative energy sources.  The bill will also help rebuild our crumbling highways and bridges and invest in clean coal and nuclear technology. This bipartisan plan is expected to create 1.2 million new jobs annually and $8 trillion in economic output without raising taxes.

According to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the United States’ offshore resources are enough to replace oil imports from Venezuela and Saudi Arabia for the next 80 years and enough clean natural gas to fuel American industry for the next 63 years, yet remain largely untapped due to the Administration’s effective moratorium on expanded exploration.