U.S. Chamber Calls for National Energy Plan -- Critical for U.S. Economy and National Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Chamber of Commerce today joined the Senate, the Teamsters and Seafarers unions, manufacturers, and small businesses in calling a national energy plan essential to our economy and national security.

"It is more critical than ever to have a national energy policy in place in order to help our economy and protect our national security," said Bruce Josten, Chamber executive vice president. "Energy is the foundation upon which our national and economic security rests, and we must do all we can to utilize our domestic resources."

The House has already passed an energy package that includes conservation, development of alternative and renewable energy, improved and expanded infrastructure and increases in domestic energy supply. The Chamber is now joining a wide constituency of supporters to pass a similar measure in the Senate.

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 800 small and large businesses, labor unions, and energy suppliers lobbying Congress to pass such a plan.

"A national energy plan will help America get back on track and help grow our economy," added Josten. "Business growth and development depend on an affordable and reliable energy supply."

Josten also noted that "a comprehensive national energy plan will require significant capital investments and will lead to tens of thousands of jobs in construction, transportation, and other industries - giving a much needed shot in the arm to the U.S. economy."

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.

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