(Washington, DC) – Today, Congresswoman Fletcher (TX-07) voted against bills intended to stop domestic offshore oil and gas exploration, including H.R. 1941, the Coast and Marine Economies Protection Act and H.R. 205, the Protecting and Securing Florida’s Coastline Act of 2019.

“Offshore exploration is a critical part of our energy mix and essential to our energy independence and economic stability. While I appreciate the environmental and other concerns my colleagues have expressed, banning exploration for domestic oil and gas is not the answer. It has the potential to increase our reliance on foreign sources of energy and increase greenhouse gas emissions,” said Congresswoman Fletcher. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we chart our path forward on energy.”

Congresswoman Fletcher represents Houston, the energy capital of the world. She is an advocate for an all-of-the-above energy approach, and investment in traditional and venerable sources. Fletcher is also an advocate for a global partnership in addressing climate change and voted in support of H.R. 9, the Climate Action Now Act. This week, she penned a bipartisan op-ed on this issue with fellow Gulf of Mexico Representative Garrett Graves (LA-06).