Straten Campaign -- Contact: Peter Zorich: (917) 754 8198 For Immediate Release

pzorich@gmail.com June 19, 2008

President Bush's lifting of the ban on the exploration of oil and gas in the Outer Continental Shelf is supported by Rolland Straten, Republican candidate for Congress in New Jersey's 8th District.

"We need to start the process of deepwater energy exploration as soon as possible," says Straten. "It's a shame that the Democratic leaders are standing in the way."

Lifting the presidential ban alone does not begin the process. Congress must take action. Recent polls indicate that an overwhelming majority of Americans support increased domestic energy production--both in deep ocean energy zones and on remote federal lands.

"New domestic energy production must be combined with conservation and the development of alternative energy sources if we are to approach energy independence in the next decade," says Straten. "We should have started ten years ago, and it is unconscionable for Democrats to delay the needed legislation now."

Record prices for gasoline have impacted Americans both at the pump and in the increased costs of food and other commodities that need to be transported. Lifting the ban is a key part of federal Republican legislators plan to reduce those cost of the long term.

"We have environmentally safe domestic energy production capabilities," says Straten. "It is unfortunate that Democrats thus far have hung on to outdated environmental fears, and I hope they decide to work with the President and Republicans soon. The American public needs the relief."