Lucas Supports "All of the Above" Energy Legislation

Press Release

Lucas Supports "All of the Above" Energy Legislation

Monday, Congressman Frank Lucas signed H.R. 6566, the "American Energy Act," an "all of the above" take on American energy, aimed at lowering gas prices through increasing the supply of American-made energy by opening up more avenues for drilling, building new refineries and nuclear power plants, and encouraging research in renewable and alternative forms of energy, such as wind and solar power.

"It is time for Congress to do something to help the pain at the pump that the American people are feeling and the American Energy Act is the best way to do that," stated Lucas. "Not only does it expand American-made energy, it also encourages research and development of alternative and renewable energy sources. It is time that we took our place at the forefront of energy development and utilize the vast natural resources we have in this country."

The American Energy Act will increase the production of American oil by allowing offshore drilling and by opening the Arctic coastal plain for oil exploration in environmentally sound ways. Revenues generated by this new exploration will be placed into a renewable energy trust fund, which will be used to assist in the development of more renewable energy sources. In addition, it will encourage energy conservation and promote the use of alternative energy by providing tax incentives for businesses and families that purchase more fuel efficient vehicles and by permanently extending the tax credit for alternative energy production, like wind power.

"Even though the price of gas in Oklahoma is lower than in places like Connecticut and California, Oklahomans are actually paying a higher percentage of their income on gas- in some places upwards of ten percent- than people who live in places where gas is most expensive," stated Lucas. "Increasing American-made energy will not only help to reduce the overall cost of gasoline to consumers, it will also boost our economy by creating new jobs and it will help us to curb our dependency on foreign oil. That $700 billion a year habit must be broken immediately."

Currently, the American Energy Act has 119 cosponsors and has been referred to several committees for markup. Lucas hopes for a vote on this important piece of legislation before Congress adjourns for August.

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