I am working hard to ensure that any energy policy Congress approves will have a positive impact on the economy and jobs in our state. I support an “all of the above” energy strategy that promotes the use of alternative fuels, encourages conservation, and increases environmentally-safe production of American energy. Given our nation’s current energy needs and long-term goal of energy independence, it is important for the United States to incorporate the exploration of our own natural resources as part of our solution to the energy crisis. This includes drilling in areas that are currently off limits to oil and natural gas exploration, like the Outer Continental Shelf and ANWR. We must utilize natural gas, coal and new, safe nuclear power sources so that we can regain control of our own energy needs and lower the cost for consumers. At the same time, I support realistic changes in fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks, increased use of non-food source biofuels, and the incorporation of renewable resources such as wind and solar power into our existing energy portfolio.
As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I will steadfastly support domestic exploration, industry reinvestment and the free market over taxes and other regressive measures that have proven to be ineffective and penalize the energy industry such as through a cap and trade scheme which serves as national energy tax on the American people.
In the 112th Congress, the House of Representatives passed two of my bills to protect American jobs and put the brakes on the Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA) out of control regulatory agenda. H.R. 2401, the Transparency in Regulatory Anlaysis of Impacts on the Nation (TRAIN) Act of 2011passed the House on September 26, 2011. The TRAIN Act requires EPA to conduct a cost benefit analysis so taxpayers get an honest accounting of how much these harmful regulations are costing our economy. In addition, on October 12, 2011, the House passed H.R. 2681, the Cement Sector Regulatory Relief Act. I introduced this legislation to prevent the Obama Administration from using their regulatory agenda to shut down nearly twenty percent of U.S. cement manufacturing plants, which would force our nation to build our roads and bridges with imported Chinese cement.
Natural Gas:
I believe increased use of natural gas is a key component of the comprehensive energy policy our nation so badly needs. We have at least a 100 year supply of natural gas right here in the United States. By ushering more natural gas vehicles to the marketplace, we will decrease our dependence on foreign sources of oil, and put America on the path to energy security. Natural gas is not just American made energy, its Oklahoma made energy – as we are one of the top natural gas producers in the nation, typically accounting for almost one tenth of the total U.S. production.
In 2009, the House of Representatives took a giant step towards reducing our dependence on foreign oil by passing my landmark bill, H.R. 1622, which promotes the research and development of natural gas vehicles. However, there is still work to be done and I believe Congress should continue building off this momentum to further incorporate natural gas into our existing energy portfolio by passing H.R. 1835 the NAT GAS Act. This legislation significantly expands the use of natural gas as a cleaner-burning, cheaper, and domestically abundant alternative to conventional transportation fuel. H.R. 1835 would quickly reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign energy while simultaneously reducing transportation fuel costs, greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, and urban pollution where dense vehicular fleets are prevalent.
Energy Statistics:
• Employing over 100,000 people, the energy industry is important to the economy of Oklahoma.
• Oklahoma is one of the top natural gas-producing States in the Nation.
• More than a dozen of the 100 largest natural gas fields in the country are found in Oklahoma.
• Oklahoma has five petroleum refineries with a combined capacity of roughly 3 percent of the total U.S. distillation capacity.
• Cushing, Oklahoma, is the designated delivery point for NYMEX crude oil futures contracts.
For more information, visit the US Energy Information Administration or the U.S. Department of Energy at http://www.eia.doe.gov/
Sullivan in the News:
Press Release: Sullivan Responds to U.S. District Court Decision on Deepwater Drilling Moratorium
Press Release: Sullivan Shocked at BP’s Dismal Safety Record
Press Release: Sullivan: Obama Budget Proposal Puts Oil and Gas Producers in the Crosshairs
Press Release: Sullivan Statement on the Impact of Natural Gas on the U.S. Energy Market
Press Release: Sullivan Takes Action to Prohibit EPA from Regulating Greenhouse Gases
Press Release: Sullivan: “Oklahoma is leading the way in natural gas development”
Press Release: House Passes Sullivan Legislation to Enhance Research in Natural Gas Vehicles
YouTube Video: Sullivan Question's BP CEO Tony Hayward
YouTube Video: Congressman Sullivan Discusses BP CEO Tony Hayward's Testimony on CNBC's Power Lunch
YouTubeVideo: Congressman Sullivan talks about Natural Gas on CNBC's "Mad Money" with Jim Cramer
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