House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04) released the following statement on the Republican budget released today by Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan:

“House Republicans’ plan would balance the budget in 10 years, without raising taxes, by making smart reforms to support job creation and economic growth. The Republican budget also recognizes that expanded American energy production is one of the best ways to raise new revenue, bolster the economy, lower gasoline prices, and put Americans back to work at good-paying jobs. Onshore and offshore American energy production on our federal lands currently accounts for the second largest source of revenue to the U.S. Treasury. Yet the full potential of our energy resources will never be realized if the Obama Administration continues to keep our energy resources under lock-and-key. Now more than ever, President Obama and Senate Democrats need to get serious about reducing wasteful spending and, like House Republicans, put forward a balanced budget that does not punish American families with tax increases and burdensome government regulations.”