Chamber Hails Overdue Passage of Energy Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today applauded the passage of meaningful energy legislation that will put America back on track for affordable and reliable energy.

"Millions of energy consumers—and those employed in the energy sector—are breathing a sigh of relief," said Bruce Josten, Chamber executive vice president. "This bill is an important step toward a balanced, long-term energy strategy to help secure our future needs."

Passage of energy legislation will encourage more efficient use of energy and more research and development to help reduce the United States' dependency on foreign oil.

By 2025, the Energy Information Administration estimates that the United States will need 43 percent more energy—including 47 percent more petroleum, 54 percent more natural gas, 34 percent more coal, 54 percent more electricity, and 65 percent more renewable energy—just to meet the energy needs of a expanding economy and growing population.

"For American businesses, workers, and consumers, our nation's limited capacity to meet increasing energy demand has been ignored for too long," Josten added. "This measure begins to get our country back on track."

While skyrocketing world demand for energy will require additional efforts to increase energy production at home, the Chamber looks forward to working with Congress in the future to advance policies that make use of all energy resources.

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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