Congressmen: Oil Industry Necessary For Economic Growth

The Permian Basin is a big part of the American oil and gas industry; however, many feel that government is restricting workers too much.

 Congressman Francisco Canseco said, "We are sitting on the mother load of oil and gas in this country that will make us energy independent."

Canseco and his group are just one of nine other HEAT (House Energy Action Team) groups that have gone out across the county to gather information meant to make America more energy independent.

"What we're trying to do is bring national attention to our energy needs," said Canseco.

In Washington, leaders are making decisions effecting oil and gas, even though many of them have never directly seen an oil rig, and some are just unfamiliar with the workings of the industry.

Congressman Mike Conaway said, "It's taking the concept from the abstract to the specifics. In other words, in tangible drilling costs in Washington DC, if you've never been on a drilling rig, if you've never been to a frac job, it's really hard to get your head around it because the phrase is not intuitive in of itself."

The information gathered during the tour and the meeting will be taken back to Washington to educate on the importance of allowing the oil and gas industry to thrive at its full potential.

"Our energy policy ought to be as diverse as possible," said Congressman Doc Hastings.

Hastings, Representing the State of Washington, toured the frac site. He said he recognized the potential job and economic growth the oil business could bring to America.

"Those jobs are very good paying jobs, and in a down economy to ignore that...that just doesn't make any sense," said Hastings.

The oil and gas industry is also facing criticism from environment leaders. Canseco said, to move forward, a balance needs to be reached with oil production and environment preservation.

Conaway said, "The more the united states in producing crude oil, then it'll have a stabling effect on the prices we have to pay."

He went to further and said, "They are not raping and pillaging the environment or land where they work, they are responsible from an environment stand point, and this is a product that we all need and use."