GOP calls for increased oil exploration

WASHINGTON, June 13 (UPI) -- Congressional Republicans Saturday called for increased offshore drilling to be part of the nation's energy plan, the GOP said in its weekly radio address.

House Republican Conference Chairman Mike Pence of Indiana, delivering the address, took aim at the climate change bill introduced by Reps. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., and Ed Markey, D-Mass. Their proposal has a cap-and-trade emissions regulation, which many Republicans oppose.

Pence said the Democrats' plan would increase energy costs and thereby "impose a great hardship on families." He touted the Republican alternative.

"This past week, House Republicans introduced the American Energy Act," Pence said. "It's an 'all of the above' energy plan that offers energy independence, more jobs and a cleaner environment, without imposing a national energy tax."

The GOP plan calls for increased exploration of fossil fuels, among other things, Pence said.

"The Republican energy plan calls for more domestic exploration for oil and natural gas, a renewed commitment to clean, emissions-free nuclear energy, investments in renewable and alternative energy technologies, and incentives to spur greater conservation among individuals and businesses," he said.