Speaker Boehner hopes to fund infrastructure bill with off-shore oil drilling leases

The latest extension of the Federal Surface Re-authorization is due to expire at the end of February. House Republicans, led by Speaker John Boehner have publicly supported funding the new bill by selling offshore oil drilling leases. Speaker Boehner made an announcement that he expects to have a House vote on expanding the leases on offshore drilling in the next few months. "In the coming weeks and months, the House will take action on the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act, which will link expanded American energy production to high-priority infrastructure projects like roads and bridges in order to create more jobs," Boehner said in a statement on January 9th.

Obama Administration has approved plans for exploratory drilling

It has been reported that the Obama administration has approved plans for Shell Oil company to begin exploratory drilling in the Arctic Ocean later this year. Environmental activists point out the potential devastating impact of possible spills and the increased danger of damage to the fragile eco-system that is already suffering the disastrous effects of climate change. The administration has a five year offshore leasing plan which proposes extending drilling in the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska.

TRPT sends letter opposing off-shore drilling

In December of 2011,  Lead Organizer Francisca Porchas sent a letter to Speaker Boehner on behalf of the Transit Riders for Public Transportation registering our opposition to offshore oil drilling as a funding source. "Approving further energy exploration is an environmentally destructive way to fund federal transportation. The proposal to set rules for extracting shale resources would have a devastating effect on the Arctic's natural environment, Alaskan communities and the planet we all inhabit. We can find more creative, just, and environmentally sustainable mechanisms to finance federal transportation investments."

You can read the full text of the letter