Critical to the economic development and quality of life in any society is access to affordable and environmentally friendly forms of energy. For centuries those who have profited from the creation of energy sources have battled those with legitimate concerns about the environment, including wildlife and horticulture. Both efforts are critical to quality of life, and unintended consequences occur when a proper balance between the two is not achieved.

The reality is that the United States has an abundance of energy supplies, but government has limited energy exploration. Due to stringent environmental regulations, oil, coal and natural gas exploration within our country has been limited.

In Congress, Steve has cosponsored key pieces of legislation to expand access to American made energy and put our Gulf Coast communities back to work and expand access to affordable domestic energy. These common sense efforts would lift the Obama Administration’s ban on Gulf energy exploration, establish a safety review for lease permits, and help jumpstart job growth in Florida and other Gulf states.

While oil and other fossil fuels are an essential component of America’s energy portfolio, Steve believes that we have a responsibility to future generations to leave behind a stronger and healthier environment. To that end, I have cosponsored legislation that expands access to geothermal, wind and other renewable energy technologies.

The United States must free itself from reliance on foreign oil. This is a national security matter and one that we must address quickly. There is no reason why the United States cannot unlock the resources so abundant in our country to make energy more available, more affordable and more environmentally safe. Get unnecessary regulation off the backs of the American people and let America’s ingenuity find the solution.