Last night, I was proud to vote for a major, comprehensive energy bill that will lower costs to consumers and American taxpayers, invest in renewable energy sources to create American jobs, expand domestic energy supply and create greater energy efficiency and conservation. 

This is the home-grown, American-owned energy policy that American consumers and businesses have been waiting for and deserve.  This compromise legislation will make our country safer, more secure and less dependent on foreign sources of oil.

Among its provisions, H.R. 6899 will roll back tax breaks for Big Oil at a time of record oil company profits and require oil companies to pay royalties already owed to taxpayers; invest in wind, solar and natural gas, 21st century energy sources to create millions of jobs; responsibly open up additional offshore areas for drilling with oil companies footing the bill instead of taxpayers; and release oil from the government’s stockpile to bring down gas prices. 

This legislation is a clear change from the failed Bush Administration’s “drill only” policies that have made our country more dependent on foreign oil as energy costs spiral out of control and consumers and businesses suffer.  We now have a clear choice with this legislation: either side with American taxpayers and consumers, or with Big Oil.  My constituents know where I stand. 

This Congress has taken critical steps to address our nation’s energy independence.  Last year, we passed and the President signed historic energy legislation with provisions to combat oil market manipulation, increase vehicle fuel efficiency to 35 miles per gallon in 2020 – the first Congressional increase in more than three decades – and promote the use of more affordable American biofuels. 

For more information on the Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act, please visit http://www.speaker.gov/legislation?id=0252.

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Contact:
Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, 202-225-3265
Charlie Gerber, Communications Assistant, 202-225-3265