At a time when Congress is considering massive tax increases on America's oil and natural gas producers, I am pleased to see our North Dakota Legislature is sending them a message. House Concurrent Resolution 3039 was passed by our state Legislature in April "urging the President and Congress to explore and develop oil and natural gas resources and to not impose additional taxes on America's energy producers." It's clear the North Dakota Legislature understands the need for our state and the nation to develop an energy policy that promotes production, encourages investment in research and development, ensures an ample supply of traditional resources, creates jobs and improves America's energy security. I wonder if Congress understands this?

Further exploration and development of our domestic oil and natural gas supplies, both offshore and right here in North Dakota, would add thousands of high-paying jobs to America's employment rolls, many of which have wages more than double the national average. In a time when economic uncertainty plagues much of the country, exploration and development of our traditional energy resources is just one step on the road to economic recovery.

HCR 3039 also addresses the negative impact excessive taxes would have on America's energy producers. The administration's proposal of $80 billion in new taxes on the industry will mean less energy production, fewer jobs and less revenue for federal, state and local governments at a time when we desperately need all three. Furthermore, higher taxes lead to higher energy prices for farmers, ranchers, businesses and all consumers.

As North Dakotans, we know first-hand the benefits of encouraging exploration and development. We also know that massive tax increases on the oil and natural gas producers are harmful. North Dakotans and our state Legislature get it. It appears however, there are some in Washington who don't. I hope Sen. Byron Dorgan and Sen. Kent Conrad will continue to support exploration and development offshore and here at home, and lead the way to oppose the administration's massive tax increases on oil and natural gas producers that would result in higher energy prices for all of us in our homes and at the pump.