Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) released the following statement today following the release of the Energy Advisory Board Natural Gas Subcommittee’s 90-day interim report:

“Energy independence is a national security issue, which can only be achieved through an all of the above approach of domestic production.  This 90-day report presents several recommendations, and I see this as an important step forward that will make domestic energy safer and more abundant.

“Shale gas production has the potential to both lower costs for consumers in every day purchases, but also create jobs.  I will continue my work in Congress to expand shale gas production by reducing regulatory hurdles while simultaneously increasing safety for not just those involved in production, but for all Americans. Increasing transparency of shale production is a much needed step, however we must not place overly burdensome regulations on business that will only serve to dissuade production.  I look forward to policy that protects Americans and puts them to work.”

Below is Energy Secretary Steven Chu’s statement on the report. 

I want to first commend the work of the Subcommittee, led by John Deutch, for producing a practical, thoughtful and insightful report. I know each member committed significant time and energy to this exercise, and it shows in the final product. As the President has said, natural gas will continue to play an important role in our nation’s energy portfolio, helping create jobs, stimulate the economy, and reduce our dependence on imported oil. But the President’s commitment to continuing to leverage this abundant domestic fuel source – and increasing energy independence, creating jobs, and building our 21^st century clean energy economy – is built on our ability, working with industry, to improve the environmental performance of the processes that have allowed us to take full advantage of this important resource.  What we can do now to increase safe and responsible production of natural gas is directly connected to our long-term ability to develop this fuel source.

The report recommends measures to increase public disclosure and transparency and address concerns about air and water pollution. The report also recommends a range of tools for implementing these measures, including regulation, continuous improvement in best practices by industry, and ongoing research and development.

I will be working closely with my colleagues in the Administration to review the recommendations and to chart a path for continued development of this vital energy resource in a safe manner.