Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made this statement on legislation to expand oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. Graham is a supporter of the legislation. He said: “The legislation strikes a good balanced between needed energy exploration and sound environmental policy. Any drilling that takes place will be over 100 miles off the Gulf Coast of Florida and can be accomplished without disturbing the coastal areas. The amount of energy that could be extracted is significant and would help make our nation less dependent on foreign sources of oil. “There’s no doubt that as a nation we need to become more energy independent. This is another step forward and I hope the House of Representatives will agree to the Senate’s proposal.” #####