U.S. Chamber’s Energy Institute Steps Up Efforts to Increase Domestic Energy Production
Generates 18,000 Letters in Support of House Bills, Launches New Website on High Gasoline Prices
WASHINGTON, D.C.—With the price of gasoline rapidly rising, the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy is stepping up efforts to support increased domestic energy production.
The Chamber is supporting a suite of three bills in the House of Representatives designed to increase domestic oil and natural gas production. In addition to its own letter supporting the bills, which were introduced by Representative Doc Hastings (R-Wash.), the Chamber has generated over 18,000 letters from individuals and businesses across America in support of the legislation.
“America cannot afford to sit on the sidelines when it comes to producing our own energy any longer,” said Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the Energy Institute. “Policymakers must focus on getting people back to work producing American energy, which will allow us to become less dependent on foreign oil and boost our economy. With recent polls showing strong support for offshore drilling, it is time for lawmakers to heed the will of the people.”
A CNN/Opinion Research poll in April found that 69% of Americans favor increased offshore oil drilling.
The House of Representatives is expected to begin consideration of the three bills today. The bills supported by the Chamber include H.R.1229, the Putting the Gulf Back to Work Act, H.R.1230, the Restarting America’s Offshore Leasing Now Act, and H.R.1231, the Reversing President Obama’s Offshore Moratorium Act.
To help amplify the business community’s voice in the ongoing debate about high gasoline prices, the Energy Institute has launched a new website. Voices for Affordable Energy will help the Energy Institute provide a platform for businesses and families negatively affected by years of inaction on energy, which has led to the high gasoline prices that are squeezing Americans' budgets.
“High gasoline prices are taking a significant toll on American families—and our businesses—and threatening our economic recovery,” said Harbert. “Voices for Affordable Energy allows us to turn the frustrations of the business community and the public into positive action on energy policy.”
Voices for Affordable Energy is collecting stories online from the business community and from families about how high gasoline prices are affecting their lives and also includes a petition. These voices will put a human face on the consequences of energy policy decisions that will be made this summer.
The mission of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for 21st Century Energy is to unify policymakers, regulators, business leaders, and the American public behind a common sense energy strategy to help keep America secure, prosperous, and clean. Through policy development, education, and advocacy, the Institute is building support for meaningful action at the local, state, national, and international levels.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.
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