Energy Policy

Rep. Petri believes that, in order to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, we must promote conservation, develop alternative energy sources, and increase domestic production in a responsible manner. In the 110th Congress, Rep. Petri will continue to support policies that adhere to these values.

Early in the 110th Congress, with Rep. Petri's support. the House and Senate passed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. The law increases the mandatory fleet-wide Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard to 35 miles per gallon by 2020 for all new cars and light trucks. This is the first congressionally-mandated CAFE increase since 1975 and will This law also promotes the use of alternative energy sources such as solar power and provides for new and updated energy efficiency and conservation standards.

Rep. Petri has supported legislation to streamline the refinery permitting process, strengthen laws against price gouging, and open up federal lands in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) to domestic oil exploration. Rep. Petri has also cosponsored legislation to reduce the number of mandated "boutique fuels" in our state that drive up the cost of gasoline.

In 2008, Rep. Petri introduced a "Sense of the House" resolution calling for a U.S.-led, international effort to lessen the impact of price speculation in the oil markets. He believes that the U.S. government should pursue a coordinated regulatory approach among all oil-consuming and oil-trading nations to establish policies which limit inefficient speculative trading and allow oil futures markets to serve their proper function of finding a balance between supply and demand. That's what Rep. Petri's proposal is designed to encourage.

Rep. Petri has consistently opposed large subsidies to oil and gas producers working federal lease areas. These subsidies simply are not necessary at a time when the market price of oil is high. He has voted in support of legislation and amendments to close a loophole in current law that has allowed these companies to profit on government land without paying a user fee.

Furthermore, Rep. Petri will continue to support the Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) which provides funds to states so that they may help low-income households pay home energy expenses. States may use LIHEAP funds to assist families with heating and cooling costs, provide crisis assistance, and pay for weatherization projects.

Related Press Releases

• Petri Votes No On The Cap-and-Trade Bill June 26, 2009