U.S. Chamber and 1200 Business and Labor Groups Urge Sen. Daschle to Bring Energy Bill to the Floor Now

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The United States Chamber of Commerce today joined more than 1200 business and labor groups to urge Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle to bring comprehensive energy legislation to the Senate Floor.

"We are calling on Senator Daschle to put politics aside and do what is right for our country now," said Bruce Josten, Chamber executive vice president. "We cannot continue to sideline a comprehensive energy bill that will reduce U.S. dependence on foreign energy and creates jobs."

Earlier this year, the House passed comprehensive energy policy legislation – H.R. 4, the Securing America's Future Energy Act of 2001. This legislation will ensure a reliable, affordable domestic supply to meet our future needs and protect our national security, according to the Chamber. It expands the use of renewable energy sources, including nuclear, hydro, biomass, solar and wind energy resources.

"The House has done its job, now is the time for the Senate to act. " said Josten. "We must not let politics and stalling tactics stand in the way of greatly needed upgrades to our domestic energy system and security."

The Chamber has led the fight for a national energy plan and co-chairs the Alliance for Energy and Economic Growth – a broad-based coalition of more than 1200 small and large businesses, labor unions, and energy suppliers urging Congress to pass such a plan.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

# # #

01-207