WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) released the following statement regarding the Administration’s decision to place the Eastern Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts off-limits for potential oil and natural gas exploration in its offshore leasing plan:

“In the aftermath of the Gulf Coast oil spill, this Administration had a choice to make about the future of energy in our country.  Unfortunately, it chose to score political points instead of placing its confidence in the American people.  The Administration’s decision is unacceptable and unwarranted. It will kill more jobs and cripple more local communities.

“Washington should lead the way on energy – not lock it up.  If we produce more American energy, we will grow our economy and strengthen our national security.  I will continue to fight to see that we create more red, white, blue and green energy jobs across our country.” 

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