Sessions Joins House Members to Introduce Comprehensive Energy Bill
Press Release
Sessions Joins House Members to Introduce Comprehensive Energy Bill
U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (R-Dallas) today joined House Republican Members to introduce the American Energy Actcomprehensive energy legislation that would increase the supply of American-made energy and promote lasting energy independence through conservation, efficiency, and the development of renewable energy.
A combination of 15 separate common-sense energy bills originally introduced by various Republican Members, the American Energy Act exemplifies their "all of the above" energy strategy to reduce the high cost of gasoline and place the United States on a path toward real energy independence.
"Every North Texas family, business, and school is affected by our nation's dependence on foreign oil and the resulting high gas prices," Sessions stated. "As a nation, we cannot afford the price of inaction as global energy consumption intensifies the current energy crisis culprit of supply and demand. That is why my colleagues and I are introducing the American Energy Act, providing real energy solutions that will increase American-made energy, improve energy conservation and efficiency, and promote renewable and alternative energy technologies."
The American Energy Act provides both short-term and long-term solutions to the current high cost of gasoline and our nation's future energy needs. Highlights of the bill include the following provisions to increase supply in environmentally-sensitive ways and develop renewable energy:
Eliminate barriers to the expansion of emission-free nuclear power production;
Open our deep water ocean resources, which could provide an additional 3 million barrels of oil per day, as well as 76 trillion cubic feet of natural gas;
Open the Arctic coastal plain, which could provide an additional 1 million barrels of oil per day;
Establish a renewable energy trust fund using revenues generated by exploration in the deep ocean and on the Arctic coastal plain; and
Permanently extend the tax credit for alternative energy production, including wind, solar and hydrogen.
In addition to these American-made energy solutions, the bill would increase the supply of gas at the pump by cutting bureaucratic red tape that hinders the construction of new refineries. Furthermore, this comprehensive plan provides tax incentives for businesses and families who purchase more fuel efficient vehicles or improve energy efficiency in buildings or residences.
"It is past time to champion American-made energy," continued Sessions. "Energy independence has no quick fixes, but together we can work to reduce our dependence on foreign sources of oil and utilize innovative technologies that can provide lasting energy solutions.
"I am committed to ensuring that America's best days lie ahead, and I call on Democrats in Congress to bring the American Energy Act to the House floor for a vote in support of effective, more efficient American-made energy solutions that will help strengthen our economy and enable American families and businesses to succeed," Sessions concluded.
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