Chamber Hails Senate Passage of Comprehensive Energy Plan

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The United States Chamber of Commerce today hailed Senate passage of HR 6, the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The bill has been one of the Chamber's top policy priorities this year.

"The Energy Policy Act contains all of the essential components to help the United States meet its growing demand for energy while reducing our dependency on foreign oil," said William Kovacs, Chamber vice president of environmental affairs.

The bill provides abundant and affordable energy, new energy sources, and energy efficient technology, all of which will stimulate the economy and create jobs. The Energy Policy Act is expected to create hundreds of thousands of new jobs in all sectors of the U.S. economy and tens of billions in new economic growth. In addition to these economic benefits, the Senate's bill increases access to federal lands for oil and gas exploration and streamlines regulatory programs to enhance energy production and energy efficiency. A package of forward-thinking incentives and loan guarantees for innovative energy technologies rounds out the bill.

"This plan puts us back on track for securing our nation's energy needs," said Kovacs.

"Enacting this legislation will make a positive difference for American workers, businesses and the economy."

The Chamber 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 1,300 small and large businesses, labor unions, and energy suppliers that urged Congress to pass such a plan.
The bill, passed by the House of Representatives on April 21, will now be considered by a conference committee of House and Senate members before going to the President for signature.

The Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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