The governor of the state of Louisiana, a potential Republican presidential candidate, today said that President Barack Obama's administration has become "science deniers," failing to do enough to harness the nation's energy potential.
Gov. Bobby Jindal said Obama's policies have limited oil and natural gas production on federal lands, stalled approval of the Keystone XL pipeline and pushed regulations on power plants.
"Right now we have policies in the way of our taking advantage of these energy resources," Jindal, an Indian-American, said. "The reality is right now we've got an administration, the Obama administration, that are science deniers when it comes to harnessing America's energy resources and potential to create good paying jobs."
The 43-year-old governor and former congressman has sought to carve out a role as a leading policy mind as he considers a presidential campaign in 2016.
Jindal told reporters at a breakfast sponsored by the Christian Science Monitor that there was "no reason to be coy" and he would make a decision on whether to seek the White House after the November elections.
Jindal promoted a new energy plan during appearances in Washington, outlining steps to bolster domestic energy production and renewable energy.
He said it could help the nation address the "new normal" of tepid economic growth.
The White House has said its promotion of domestic energy production, the use of wind and solar power and the reduction in oil consumption has had economic benefits and reduced carbon emissions.
Conservatives and business groups have opposed new Environmental Protection Agency regulations on coal-fired power plants, saying it will hurt the economy.
