Lucas Votes to Create Energy Policy

LUCAS VOTES TO CREATE ENERGY POLICY
April 21, 2005

Bill Moves U.S. Toward Independence From Foreign Oil

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Third District Congressman Frank Lucas voted today for legislation to create a comprehensive U.S. energy policy, to increase American energy independence and to help reduce high gas prices.

He urged the Senate, which has failed to pass compromise energy legislation over the past four years, to also pass an energy bill to help our nation deal with the high cost of gasoline.

"We have been trying to pass comprehensive energy legislation for over four years, and in that time Americans have seen skyrocketing prices for gasoline, rolling blackouts in California and New York, and an increase in our dependence of oil from foreign countries," Lucas said. "We must act now to create a comprehensive energy policy, to deal with these important economic and security issues."

The legislation provides incentives for oil and gas production, renewable fuels production, energy conservation, and improvements to the electricity grid.

Highlights of the national energy package:

- Strengthens our national security by reducing dependence on foreign energy sources

- Authorizes the expansion of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve's capacity from 700 million to one billion barrels.

- Increases funding for programs to help low-income residents cover high energy costs

- Promotes a cleaner environment using renewable energy and alternative fueled vehicles

- Modernizes electricity infrastructure and protects consumers from unfair prices

- Sets stricter standards for energy use in federal buildings

- Provides private sector incentives to improve efficiency standards on electric products

- Improves regulation of nuclear and hydroelectric power

- Promotes clean coal technologies

The bill will also make Oklahoma's energy grid less susceptible to the blackouts that plagued the Northeast last summer, by promoting investment in the electric transmission grid, improving the reliability of electric transmission networks, and improving the transparency of electricity markets.

"We must reduce our dependence on foreign countries for our oil and gas," Lucas said. "This bill increases our energy independence, and it will help stimulate job growth in the energy sector."

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ok03_lucas/houseenergy.html