Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2008

CONTACT: Leslie Shedd
(202) 225-5565

Lucas Favors Energy Plan That Includes All Forms of American-Produced Energy

Washington, DC - Next week, House Democrats plan to announce their energy plan to address the rising cost of gasoline in this country. However, instead of increasing all forms of American-produced energy, their plan will continue to limit oil exploration off American shores and in the Arctic Coastal plain, will contain the “Use It or Lose It� plan that is already law, and will raise taxes by $85 billion.

“After five weeks of vacation, the best this majority has to offer the American people is a bill comprised mainly of a massive tax increase,� stated Lucas. “While I am pleased that the Democrat leadership in the House has finally answered the calls of the American people for action on energy, this bill is not what the American people have been calling for.�

Lucas is a proud cosponsor of H.R. 6566, the American Energy Act, an “all of the above� plan that increases all forms of American-produced energy while encouraging conservation. Under the American Energy Act, the Arctic coastal plains and deep water ocean reserves will be opened for oil exploration, new oil refineries and nuclear power plants will be constructed, tax credits for alternative energy production, such as wind power, will be extended permanently, and energy conservation will be encouraged through tax incentives and a monetary prize for developing the economically feasible, super-fuel-efficient vehicle that can reach 100-miles-per-galon.

“A meaningful energy plan that will actually be effective must include all forms of American energy production,� stated Lucas. “This includes increased production of traditional forms of energy, such as oil and coal, as well as research and development of renewable and alternative forms of energy, such as wind and nuclear power. Without using all of our available resources, we will continue to see rising gas prices, which will continue to lead to higher costs for other goods and services.�

House Democrats initially promised to bring their energy bill to the floor for a vote sometime this week, however have pushed back the vote to next week. When given the opportunity Wednesday to allow debate and a vote on the American Energy Act, House Democrats refused. Lucas continues to be hopeful that some meaningful action will take place on energy before the end of this month.

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