As former Democrat National Committee (DNC) Chairman Tim Kaine claims he supports energy exploration, tomorrow marks the six year anniversary since Kaine blocked provisions in an energy bill that allowed Virginia to expand and explore their energy resources in the Commonwealth.

The legislation, specifically asked Congress to exempt Virginia from a 25-year moratorium on natural gas and oil exploration.  Kaine’s actions thwarted potential new Virginia jobs and contributed to blocking the expansion of domestic energy resources which could lower energy prices.

“Six years ago Chairman Kaine blocked efforts to expand Virginia’s energy resources and now that gas is at $4 a gallon, it’s clear Virginians are paying for his actions,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Brian Walsh.  “As energy prices continue to rise, Virginians need a Senator with a proven pro-jobs, pro-energy exploration record.”    

BACKGROUND …

EXACTLY SIX YEARS AGO, TIM KAINE WAS AGAINST EXPANDING VIRGINIA’S ENERGY RESOURCES

April 7, 2006: “Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) Blocked Provisions Friday Of An Energy Bill Passed By The General Assembly That Advocated Resumption Of Drilling For Natural Gas Off Virginia’s Coast.” (Chris L. Jenkins, “Kaine Amends Energy Bill That Sought Drilling Exemption,”The Washington Post, 4/8/06)

·         “The Energy Legislation Asked Congress To Exempt Virginia From A 25-Year Moratorium On Natural Gas Exploration And Drilling Off The Country’s Eastern And Western Seaboards.” (Chris L. Jenkins, “Kaine Amends Energy Bill That Sought Drilling Exemption,” The Washington Post, 4/8/06)

·         Kaine Amended The Bill So It Simply Supports Any Federal Efforts To Determine How Much Natural Gas Exists 50 Or More Miles Off The Atlantic Coast.” (Chris L. Jenkins, “Kaine Amends Energy Bill That Sought Drilling Exemption,” The Washington Post, 4/8/06)

·         “The Amended Bill Takes No Position On Whether Congress Should Lift The Moratorium.” (Chris L. Jenkins, “Kaine Amends Energy Bill That Sought Drilling Exemption,” The Washington Post, 4/8/06)