Dear Members of the House of Representatives:

The House of Representatives is today expected to consider two bills

(H.R. 1229 and H.R. 1230) that will help put the U.S. on a more sensible, predictable path to safely developing our abundant, federally owned offshore oil and natural gas energy resources.  In the process, these bills will help put thousands of Americans back to work and generate billions of dollars in bonus, royalty and tax payments for federal, state and local coffers. 

It has now been more than a year since the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.  In that time, federal safety regulations have been tightened, spill response capability has been enhanced and lessons have been learned.  Unfortunately, the process of returning to work in the Gulf of Mexico has proceeded with glacial speed and promising areas that had been slated for leasing have been withdrawn by the Administration.  This has resulted in lower than anticipated production from the Gulf of Mexico and a significant reduction in future exploration and development potential.

If we, as a nation, want to reduce our oil imports, improve our balance of payments and improve our energy security, we need a commitment to develop the resources we have.  We urge the House to support these two important bills, which together form the basis of a sound plan to unlock the enormous potential of our offshore energy resources and help thousands of workers return to their jobs. 

Sincerely,

Michael G. Morris
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
American Electric Power Company, Inc.
Chairman, Sustainable Growth Initiative
Business Roundtable