Foster calls for bipartisan energy bill at press conference

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BATAVIA - U.S. House Rep. Bill Foster on Monday announced his support for a bipartisan energy bill that calls for more domestic oil drilling and the development of alternative energy sources. “There is a useful compromise here,” the freshman Democrat said during a press conference Monday in front of his district office in Batavia. “In the long run, we will not drill our way out of this problem.” The Natural Conservation, Environment and Energy Independence Act was introduced into a House committee July 31. Foster said he was one of the original sponsors of the bill, which now has the support of 119 Democrats and Republicans. “Skyrocketing gas prices have hurt everyone,” Foster said. “We need to decrease our dependence on foreign oil.” The bill would permit domestic exploration and extraction of oil and natural gas in areas such as the Outer Continental Shelf. “I stand with those from both parties who believe that environmentally safe, responsible drilling must be part of our solution to the energy crisis,” Foster said. As part of the bill, new drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf along the coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and in the Gulf of Mexico would only be allowed more than 25 miles from the shore. The bill also allows individual states to extend the buffer zone to 50 miles, Foster said. The bill also mandates the release of 70 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to further increase this country's domestic energy supply, Foster said. A portion of the revenue from new domestic drilling leases with oil and gas companies would go toward the development of alternative and renewable fuels. Foster said the revenue would represent the first stable designated funding source for the development of alternative fuels and renewable energy. The bill also extends tax incentives for the development and production of alternative fuels and hybrid vehicles. Foster said a long-term solution is needed. “The world as a whole is running out of oil,” Foster said. Republican candidate Jim Oberweis, who is running against Foster in November, has been holding town hall meetings on the energy crisis. David From, Oberweis' campaign manager, said Oberweis agreed with parts of the bill, such as more drilling and continued credits for alternative energy. “Anyone can sign on to a bill,” From said. “Will Congressman Foster call on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to bring this up for an up or down vote?” Foster defeated Oberweis in a special election in March to win the seat vacated by former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert.