Washington, DC – The American Gas Association (AGA) today released the following statement on the introduction of two bipartisan energy bills that would alleviate our nation’s energy crisis by offering reachable solutions:
"AGA commends Reps. Neil Abercrombie (D-HI) and John Peterson (R-PA) for their sponsorship of the National Conservation, Environment and Energy Independence Act (H.R. 6709). It encourages domestic natural gas and oil production by repealing the moratorium on the Outer Continental Shelf. New royalty revenues are used for conservation, efficiency and renewable energy. Additionally, it increases funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and promotes research for other clean energy sources and environmental restoration. This legislation outlines common sense solutions to help meet our energy and environmental needs without forcing taxpayers to shoulder the costs.
“In another positive development, a group of moderate Democrats led by Rep. Gene Green (D-TX) has introduced H.R. 6670, the Long-Term Energy Assurance and Security Enhancement Act of 2008 (LEASE Act), which also seeks to increase domestic energy production and fund research for new energy technologies.
“The simple fact that energy issues are now front and center before Congress is promising. After months of stagnation, AGA is pleased that Democratic and Republican lawmakers have found common ground. Any meaningful legislation addressing our nation's short- and long-term energy challenges is going to require support from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, and the consensus reached on these bills shows great progress. With the introduction of these bills today, AGA is optimistic that comprehensive legislation for a more secure energy future is one step closer to becoming reality.”