Graves Wants Energy Projects Accelerated

Press Release

Graves Wants Energy Projects Accelerated

Congressman's Proposal Would Streamline Approval Process

U.S. Congressman Sam Graves unveiled legislation this week to streamline the approval process for energy related projects including gasoline refineries, nuclear power plants, ethanol plants and wind farms.

"This is important legislation and it is part of the solution to the high prices Missourians are paying at the pump," said Graves. "Many important energy projects are tied up in red tape. We need to get those projects moving along so we can start weaning ourselves off of foreign oil."

Graves' bill would require federal agencies to expedite their review of permits and take other actions as necessary to accelerate the completion of energy related projects. Among the energy projects that would be sped up are gasoline refineries, nuclear power plants, ethanol plants and wind farms.

"Our capacity to refine gas is stretched to the limit and it is affecting the price of gas," Graves said. "We have not built a new refinery in this country in over 20 years. This bill will streamline the process of approving refineries."

The legislation also establishes an inter agency task force which will monitor and assist federal agencies in their efforts to streamline the approval process. The inter-agency task force will also assist agencies in coordinating federal, state, and local permitting.

Graves stressed that his bill would not change current environmental laws.

"My legislation maintains the environmental guidelines, set by the EPA, but it also gets the process to move quicker," Graves said. "The amount of money and time that is required to get a permit for these critical projects is absolutely absurd."

Graves also emphasized the need for Congress to continue working on other solutions that will reduce the cost of energy for Missourians and all Americans.

"This bill is only part of the solution, we needs to continue to work on reducing high energy prices," said Graves. "Congress needs to get serious and pass real energy legislation that focuses on the energy we have here in our own backyard."

Graves' legislation is H.R. 5866 and has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

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