COLUMBUS—State Representative Barbara Sears (R-Monclova Twp.) recently introduced a House resolution to encourage investment in North American oil reserves to reduce Ohio’s dependence on foreign resources.

House Resolution 97 urges the United States Congress to support the continued and increased importation of oil derived from Canadian oil sands. It will also urge Congress to ask the U.S. Secretary of State to approve the TransCanada Keystone XL pipeline project from Alberta to Oklahoma.

“It is extremely important to the future of Ohio and the United States that we continue responsible exploration for energy,” said Sears. “With gas prices skyrocketing and many families finding it increasingly expensive to live their daily lives, it is necessary to look for other options that will make America more self-reliant and energy-independent.”

The United States currently depends on foreign imports for more than half of its petroleum usage. A recent study conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy found that increasing importation of oil derived from Canadian oil sands has the potential to substantially reduce the U.S.’s dependency on sources outside of North America.

“Rather than sending our money overseas, the money invested in Canadian oil would likely later be directly spent on U.S. goods and services, which would help to boost our economy,” Sears said. “House Resolution 97 states that supporting the shift toward reliable, secure sources of Canadian oil is of vital interest to our nation and to the state of Ohio.”