Byrne, House Take Action to Lower Energy Costs

Congressman Bradley Byrne (AL-1) supported efforts in the House of Representatives this week designed to lower energy costs and increase domestic energy production.

Byrne, a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, has continually advocated from an “all-of-the-above” approach to energy production. The current national average price of gasoline is $3.68, double what it was when President Obama took office. According to testimony by an economist and professor from Louisiana State University, House efforts to expand domestic energy production would have “substantial job benefits,” including 250,000 jobs in the short-term and 1.2 million jobs long-term.

In a video statement, Byrne applauded House action to reduce energy costs and urged President Obama and Senate Democrats to support the commonsense, bipartisan legislation.

Byrne said: “Actions always speak louder than words. President Obama has talked a lot about lowering energy costs, but in reality his policies only make things worse. From shutting off land for energy production to his continued stalling on construction of the Keystone Pipeline to his self-declared war on coal, President Obama’s energy policies are hitting families where it hurts: their pocketbook.

“As the summer months draw on, we are all experiencing the pain at the pump. Today, gas prices are double what they were when President Obama took office. On the Gulf Coast, we feel the squeeze on our pocketbooks, not only when we put gas in our cars, but when higher gas prices reduce the number of tourists to our coastal communities.

“That’s why this week the House acted on a package of bills designed to expand domestic energy production and reduce consumer costs all while growing our economy. Among the bills we passed was H.R. 3301, the North American Energy Infrastructure Act. The bill updates the approval process for energy construction projects to make the process more efficient and fair.

“Another bill, H.R. 4899, the Lowering Gasoline Prices to Fuel an America that Works Act, eases the pain at the pump by responsibly expanding production of America’s own onshore and offshore energy resources. Expanding energy production not only increases our energy resources but also leads to job growth.

“I hope the Senate will act quickly to pass these commonsense, bipartisan energy bills. Because the American people deserve more than just talk about lowering energy costs, they deserve action.”

The energy bills passed in the House of Representatives this week include:
• H.R. 3301: North American Energy Infrastructure Act;
• H.R. 6: Domestic Prosperity and Global Freedom Act;
• H.R. 4899: Lowering Gasoline Prices to Fuel an America That Works Act of 2014;
• H.R. 4092: Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act of 2014;
• H.R. 4081: To require the Secretary of Energy to prepare a report on the impact of thermal insulation on both energy and water use for portable hot water; and
• S. 2086: Reliable Home Heating Act.