Statement From Johnny Isakson’s Office:

Sherri,

Senator Isakson has consistently called for more domestic production wherever it may be found. Under a Democratic Congress, however, he realized that it would be difficult to reach that goal and, in fact, the Democratic leadership in both the House and the Senate have said that drilling is off the table. In the meantime, the American people continue to suffer.

The WSJ column criticizes Republicans members of the “Gang of 10” for compromising on the issue of energy and giving in to the Democrats. However, Senator Isakson believes the Democratic members of the group have made key concessions by agreeing that a comprehensive energy plan must include the Republican-supported solutions of offshore drilling and nuclear energy. This plan is a great first step in utilizing our known and accessible resources. And Senator Isakson is proud that these Democrats have split with their party and have come our way on the issue of offshore drilling and nuclear.

In terms of offshore drilling, the proposal would open additional acreage in the Gulf of Mexico for leasing and allows Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia to opt in to leasing off their shores. Saying these areas are not where the oil is located is untrue. In fact, these are the areas that would allow us to get oil and gas out of the ground the fastest.

Johnny believes doing nothing is not an option. Georgia families and businesses are suffering because of the escalating high cost of energy.

Johnny has been calling for weeks for Republicans and Democrats to put aside their differences on energy and come together with a solution.

The proposal by this bipartisan coalition of senators is exactly the kind of productive result Johnny has been seeking and exactly the kind of action thousands of Georgians have told Johnny they want to see from Congress on the energy issue.