In separate press releases issued Monday, Sen. Bob Bennett and Rep. Rob Bishop slam the Interior Department's newly reformed oil and gas drilling policy.

Says Bennett:

This action is exactly the wrong thing to do and exactly the wrong time. I'm surprised and disappointed that while the administration appears to be pulling back the reins on its offshore policy, they would simultaneously be pulling the plug on onshore oil and natural gas development by drowning it in new red tape. Simply put, even more layers of bureaucracy means fewer jobs, less revenue for federal and state coffers, and less energy at a time when we clearly need it. I am also disappointed that with all the promises of transparency, this was done without any input from the public -- no public meetings and no opportunity for comment. This is fundamentally at odds with the administration's promises and I would strongly urge it to go back to the drawing board."

Says Bishop:

Not only will these new regulations add multiple layers of redundant red tape and significantly reduce America's ability to reduce our dependency on foreign oil, they will also hinder job creation in communities and regions already experiencing severe job loss. Secretary Salazar has once again chosen his anti-energy allies over the interests of the people and nation. Energy prices are expected to skyrocket this summer.  Instead of working to make prices more affordable, this Administration is doing the exact opposite."

(See also related Grand Junction Daily Sentinel story.)