Drake and Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Propose Comprehensive Energy Solution
Washington,
Jul 30 -
U.S. Representative Thelma Drake (R-VA) today announced that she is an original co-sponsor of the National Conservation, Environment, and Energy Independence Act, the bill crafted by the bipartisan working group on energy led by Representatives John Peterson (R-PA) and Neil Abercrombie (D-HI). Drake was an active and outspoken participant in negotiations throughout the process and instrumental in guaranteeing the states have control over waters from 25 to 50 miles offshore. She also was able to secure crucial provisions protecting the Navy and ensuring that Virginia is allocated a fair portion of OCS territory in the MMS maps.
“I agree with [Rep.] Neil Abercrombie when he says, ‘Right now, we’ve got 100 percent of nothing’ on energy. Now there is a bipartisan solution on the table. This bill gives voice to the beleaguered American public which has said ‘enough’ and is calling for a comprehensive solution to the energy crisis,” said Drake. “It is my sincere hope that the House will take up this bill and allow a vote on the bipartisan energy solution that the American people are demanding.”
“I want to thank Thelma Drake for her work on the bipartisan energy working group. The American people expect Congress to find solutions in a bipartisan manner,” said Rep. Abercrombie. “It is abundantly clear that the public is tired of the partisan rhetoric coming out of Washington. They want solutions. This working group recognizes that politics as usual will not solve our national energy crisis. A comprehensive approach must include regulatory reform, increased domestic production, conservation and real investment in renewable and alternative energy technologies. These are all part of America’s energy future.”
The bill repeals all federal prohibitions (moratoria) and Presidential withdrawals against the expenditure of appropriated funds to conduct leasing activities on federal lands, repeals the 125 mile moratorium on gas and oil production in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, and repeals the prohibitions on the development of oil shale. It also allows the use of woody biomass from federal lands for the production of renewable energy, repeals prohibitions preventing federal agencies from entering into contracts for procurement of an alternative or synthetic fuel, and repeals the limitation on the number of new qualified hybrid and advanced lean burn technology vehicles eligible for the alternative vehicle tax credit.
####
