WASHINGTON, DC – Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) released the following statement regarding Interior Secretary Ken Salazar’s announcement on the Administration’s oil and gas leasing reforms:

“In Wyoming, we have worked hard to find the right balance between protecting our environment and developing our energy resources. Instead of putting up road blocks, Washington should take more steps to create jobs, fuel our country and increase state revenue.

“The Administration’s announcement is a step in the wrong direction.  When our country is facing ten percent unemployment and an energy crisis, the last thing we need is more red tape.  Increasing the bureaucratic hurdles for energy development will only hinder our economic recovery and discourage job creation.”