Congressman Fleming Original Co-Sponsor Of The American Energy Act

Statement

Congressman John Fleming released the following statement today after becoming an original co-sponsor of the American Energy Act, a comprehensive energy solutions plan that supports an "all of the above" approach to solving our nation's energy crisis without raising taxes, threatening jobs and squeezing the already tightened budgets of America's families.

"During these difficult economic times, higher energy prices are the last thing Northwest Louisiana families need, yet that is precisely what is being forced upon the American public. If the climate change bill moving through Congress becomes law, energy prices would, in the President's own words, ‘necessarily skyrocket,' and some estimates suggest million of jobs would be lost as manufacturers ship their plants to countries with less stringent environmental regulations, hurting American workers and the environment.

It is clear that for the sake of our environment and our economic security, we need a better plan than a national energy tax. That is why I am proud to support the American Energy Act, an energy solution that offers more affordable energy, more jobs here at home, and a cleaner environment. This plan seeks to increase our energy supply through an ‘all of the above' energy policy, while the Democrat plan seeks to depress demand through government control.

The American Energy Act is centered on domestic production of our natural resources, and a renewed commitment to safe and emissions-free nuclear energy. This energy proposal is ‘all of the above' and more. This legislation will also encourage the development of abundant resources such as the Haynesville Shale, which at over an estimated 200 trillion cubic feet, is the largest natural gas find in the continental United States. It is crucial that Congress recognize what resources, such as the Haynesville Shale, can play in this country's long-term economic and national security.

I am proud to support a comprehensive energy solution that creates jobs, makes energy more affordable, helps clean up the environment, and reduces this country's dependence on foreign oil. I hope the Congress will reject the misguided national energy tax, and consider this responsible alternative."

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