"By proposing to end a century of federal control over oil and gas drilling and coal mining on government lands, Mitt Romney is making a bid for anti-Washington voters in key Western states while dangling the promise of a big reward to major campaign supporters from the energy industry."
"Mr. Romney’s plan, which would turn over decision-making on drilling and mining to the states, echoes the 'Drill, baby, drill' strategy that another Republican presidential candidate, John McCain, used to great effect in the 2008 campaign.
The federal government owns vast portions of states like New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Colorado and Alaska. Under President Obama, officials in Washington have played a bigger role in drilling and mining decisions on federal lands in the states, and such involvement rankles many residents and energy executives, who prefer the usually lighter touch of local officials."
Eric Lipton and Clifford Krauss report for the New York Times August 23, 2012.
SEE ALSO:
"Donors Would Benefit From Romney Energy Plan" (USA TODAY)
"Mitt Romney's Energy Plan: What Does It Promise?" (Christian Science Monitor)
"Mitt Romney Energy Plan Evokes ‘Drill, Baby, Drill’ Slogan" (ABC News)
"Romney’s Energy Plan Ignores the Success of Solar and Wind" (Bloomberg)
"Romney Backs Fossil Fuels and Nuclear, Drops Renewables" (ENS)
"Romney Energy Plan Supports U.S. Ethanol Mandate" (Reuters)
"Coal Plants Still Pressured Despite Romney Plan, EPA Court Loss" (Reuters)
"Government Mandate Or No, Fuel Ethanol Is Here To Stay" (Reuters)
"Romney, In Major Energy Speech, Favors Turning Regulatory Powers Over To States" (Greenwire)
Opinion "Romney's Energy Play" (Wall St. Journal)
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