Obama's energy policies hurting U.S.?

WASHINGTON, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- Washington is holding communities near the Gulf of Mexico "hostage" because of cumbersome regulations regarding energy work there, a lawmaker said.

The Republican-controlled House Committee on Natural Resources announced a full oversight hearing for next week to examine the economic impact of last year's moratorium on energy production in the Gulf of Mexico.

U.S. President Barack Obama halted oil production in the gulf following last year's Deepwater Horizon explosion and spill.

U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., chairman of the committee, said the moratorium, now lifted, created hardships for the region and slowed domestic energy production.

"It has been one year since the president lifted his executive moratorium; yet, his administration still holds Gulf Coast workers hostage with delayed permitting and unnecessary burdensome regulations. American families and businesses need the affordable, reliable energy found in the Gulf of Mexico," Rep. Jeff Landry, R-La., added in a statement.

Republican lawmakers have pressed for more domestic oil and natural gas production.

The Obama administration is also under fire for its green energy initiatives following the bankruptcy of solar panel company Solyndra, the recipient of a $535 million federal loan.