Washington, DC

Today, U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee, sent a letter to the President of the Republic of France François Hollande, regarding recent reports that the French government may be considering lifting the ban on hydraulic fracturing.

"Lifting the ban on hydraulic fracturing would serve anyone well in terms of environmental and economic benefits. What country wouldn't want to provide increased resources to their manufacturing sector and lower energy prices, while also creating well-paying jobs?" said Vitter. "Despite efforts from the Obama Administration to shut down hydraulic fracturing, it has clearly been one of the brightest spots in our otherwise struggling economy. Other nations have begun to recognize the advantages of hydraulic fracturing, and the Obama Administration needs to wake up and support this incredibly important source of energy production."

Last month, Vitter sent a letter to the Honorable Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, in which he commends Germany's efforts to lift its ban on hydraulic fracturing. In December 2012, following the United Kingdom's decision to allow hydraulic fracturing, Vitter sent a letter to President Obama urging him to reconsider the administration's campaign against hydraulic fracturing. Click here to read more.

Click here to read today's letter.

-30-