Santorum Talks Energy in ND | Video

Jennifer Joas | 2/15/2012

Republican Presidential Candidate Rick Santorum`s first stop in Tioga was at the Target Logistics Man Camp. State and local leaders wanted to pick his brain on what he could do as president. Their biggest concerns were about the energy industry.

Many companies operating in western North Dakota are worried about fracking regulations. Regional leaders explained to Santorum that they are trying to entice investors into the area, however threats by the EPA is a deterrent.

"Under the Santorum administration this is not a concern. It just won’t be. But under his administration it will be. And it won`t be because of science. It`ll be because of politics," Santorum said.

President Obama`s denial of the Keystone Pipeline was also a topic of discussion. With production decreasing through the Alaskan pipeline, Santorum says the Keystone Pipeline is needed more than ever.

"We`ve got four or five billion barrels that we have to replace, and this president what does he do, he shuts down the keystone pipeline. This is not a rational energy policy. He goes and talks about how oil production has gone up. In spite of him not because of him."

Santorum made a quick stop at this oil well to get a firsthand look at the booming industry.

"This is how the federal government can impede economic growth and development in a way that most folks around the country don`t even recognize how much it’s hurting an economy that`s doing well but could even produce more jobs and create more profitability."

Other topics Santorum discussed were healthcare, federal transportation funds and agriculture.

COMMENT ON THIS STORY