America Needs America’s Energy
|
Energy is vital to the success of the U.S. economy. Energy-related expenses represent the most significant underlying cost of doing business in America. The economy is growing at a record pace, but increased growth has boosted energy demand, and I am working with my colleagues in Congress to make sure that the country is equipped to meet this surge.
Energy impacts all Americans. The effects are felt everywhere from gas pumps, pipelines, power lines, and power plants, to pocketbooks and pay rolls. When prices rise, employers are hurt and Americans lose jobs.
Over the past year, the House has taken steps to unlock America’s energy resources, increase conservation, move towards the next generation of fuels, implement common sense rules and crack down on corporate corruption and price gouging.
House Republicans are committed to the energy stability of the United States. We have accomplished a great deal but we know that our job is not yet done. My colleagues and I will continue to work hard to insure that America gets the Energy that America needs.
Energy Accomplishments
With enactment of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, House Republicans delivered to all Americans a total Energy Package for the first time in a decade. The bill, which was signed into law on August 8, 2005, is unlocking American energy resources, conserving without hurting, and implementing common sense rules.
Unlocking American Energy Resources:
The energy bill created a strong federal program to design and deploy clean coal technologies. This will allow Americans to use this vital resource while protecting our air and water. The bill also created an ethanol mandate that requires fuel manufacturers to use 7.5 billion gallons of ethanol in gasoline by 2012 – a move that will reduce oil consumption by 80,000 barrels of oil a day by 2012.
In addition the bill provides $2.7 billion in production tax credits to encourage the production of clean renewable energies for wind, closed-loop biomass, open-loop biomass, geothermal, small irrigation power, landfill gas, and trash combustion. Furthermore, the bill establishes of a task force to make recommendations on a national oil shale and tar sands leasing program.
Conservation:
The energy bill creates ambitious efficiency and conservation program that set first-time efficiency standards for large appliances and raised the efficiency standards for others. The bill also provides a total of $2.7 billion in tax incentives to encourage efficiency and conservation.
Common Sense Rules:
The Energy Policy Act includes provisions to encourage the expansion and modernization of the electricity grid as well as new mandatory reliability rules designed to prevent future blackouts. The bill protects consumers by preventing the manipulation of gas and electricity prices and increasing the penalties for violating federal prohibitions against these crimes.
What You Can Do Today about High Energy Prices
While Congress is working hard to produce energy solutions, there are also things that you can do to save money on energy and gasoline prices:
Be more energy efficient at home - There are dozens of ways to save money on your energy bills such as adjusting your thermostat and ensuring that appliances are turned off when not in use.
Take good care of your car - Tune ups, clean air filters, properly inflated tires, and using the appropriate grade of oil all can help maximize fuel efficiency.
Be a smart driver - By driving the speed limit, avoiding excessive idling and aggressive driving, planning your trips, and keeping your car light you can save gasoline. For example, each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.15 per gallon for gas.
For more tips on how to save energy and money at home visit: www.EnergySavers.gov
Back to Top
