For the time being, President Obama has moved away from energy as the campaign theme du jour, especially as gas prices have calmed down. It therefore warms my heart that the House GOP is challenging Obama on his rhetorically cozy but completely fake “all of the above” energy narrative and continuing the push for more domestic energy production. And no, they don’t mean by making more green-energy “investments” on Americans’ behalf, either.

The Domestic Energy and Jobs Act, sponsored by House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R., Calif.) and other top Republicans, expedites permits for energy production, expands drilling leases in Alaska and forces the administration to allow more onshore drilling as a condition of releasing oil stockpiles. …

Meanwhile, a weaker-than-expected jobs report for May revived fears over the broader economy. “When we look at the jobs report numbers that came back last month, there is no better chance for us to create jobs than having an energy policy that makes us independent,” Mr. McCarthy said. …

His bill is unlikely to become law because of opposition in the Democratic-controlled Senate.

One need only look to the veritable boom towns picking up economic speed in places like North Dakota and Ohio to see the wealth of opportunity available in the oil and gas industry. To some degree at least, President Obama is right — oil prices have been steadily rising because worldwide demand has been steadily growing.

But that then begs the question: why for pete’s sake are we denying ourselves from getting in on the action? For what lofty purposes are we letting so many of our resources sit this round out? We have more proven reserves than you can shake a stick at, yet here we sit, just twiddling our thumbs, largely thanks to Obama’s Interior and Energy departments and EPA.

A great briefing from Rep. McCarthy:

While this country still needs a massive spending, tax, and regulatory overhaul no matter what, we could really alleviate a lot of the pain Americans are feeling right now with private-sector job growth, and that’s what the oil and gas industry offers. Not to mention, that would lead to a huge shot in the arm to government revenue to boot. This charade is getting tiresome, Mr. President — we need jobs and economic growth, now. We can make this happen. This is not a drill. (Heh, see what I did there?)