Contact: Barbara Riley
Wednesday, September 3, 2008

ROCHESTER, NH – United States Senator John Sununu (R-NH) today (9/3) toured Eastern Propane and discussed national energy policy with company officials, who recently converted a service truck from gasoline to run on propane.  During his visit, Sununu underscored the need for a comprehensive energy policy that focuses on conservation, invests in renewable, alternative energy sources, increases domestic and offshore production in an environmentally safe way, improves regulation of energy markets, and doubles the Low Income Home Energy Assistance program for New Hampshire.

“I welcome the opportunity to visit Eastern Propane and meet with the employees,” said Sununu.  “They are well aware that America needs a balanced approach to comprehensive energy policy.  Increasing our independence from foreign oil imports through new energy sources - in combination with conservation, renewable energy and other provisions - will provide relief for families across New Hampshire and consumers across the country.”

Senator Sununu continues to support additional components of a balanced energy policy:

• On August 26, 2008, Sununu joined the bipartisan effort to lift the ban on offshore drilling by formally announcing his support for the “New Energy Reform Act of 2008.” The comprehensive legislative proposal unveiled by a bipartisan coalition of Senators would lift the ban on offshore energy exploration across the Gulf of Mexico and off the Mid-Atlantic states, promote new technologies and conservation, require that oil companies pay fair market prices for oil leases and drilling rights, and promote further development of nuclear power.

• On December 13, 2007, Sununu supported Senate passage of the 2007 bi-partisan Energy Bill, which increased fuel economy standards for the first time in 32 years and encouraged investment in renewable energy technology. Under the bill, the average mileage standards will increase to 35 miles per gallon by 2020.

• Sununu is a cosponsor of the “Clean Energy Tax Stimulus Act” that extends clean energy production tax credits and incentives to improve the energy efficiency of new and existing homes, businesses and appliances. The legislation included Sununu's provision to provide a 10 percent tax credit for the purchase of energy-efficient wood pellet stoves and passed the Senate by a vote of 88 to 8 on April 10, 2008.

• Sununu is co-sponsor of the “Gasoline Price Reduction Act of 2008” which would allow additional deep-sea energy exploration and Western oil shale production. The bill also encourages development of plug-in electric cars and trucks and strengthens oversight of the energy futures market.

• On June 24, 2008, Sununu cosponsored Senator Bernie Sanders’ “Warm in Winter and Cool in Summer Act” to provide an additional $2.53 billion to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  Additionally, on July 17, 2008, he cosponsored Senator Judd Gregg’s “Home Energy Assistance Today Act” to provide an additional $2.5 billion for LIHEAP and double LIHEAP funding for seniors and low income families in New Hampshire.  On July 24, 2008, he cosponsored Senator Judd Gregg’s “Weatherization, Assistance, and Relief for Middle-Income Households Act of 2008” (WARM Act)  to double LIHEAP funding and provide weatherization funding and a heating oil tax credit for middle income households.

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