June 10 – Congressman Zach Wamp, co-chairman of the House Nuclear Issues Working Group, issued the following statement today after joining the American Energy Solutions Group to introduce the American Energy Act, a comprehensive solution for our nation’s energy challenges:

“The price of oil has more than doubled within the last three months and a national energy tax is the last thing struggling businesses and families need. The President himself admitted that cap-and-trade regulations will cause electricity rates to ‘skyrocket,’ and some estimates suggest millions of Americans will lose their jobs, further weakening the economy. This sweeping tax and regulatory scheme is the wrong approach.

“If we are going to seriously address the growing demand for energy, be responsible stewards of the environment and bolster our economy, we need to renew our commitment to an all-of-the-above energy strategy that includes an ambitious nuclear energy agenda. Nothing would do more to help our economy, create American jobs and make our nation more competitive than building 100 new nuclear plants in the next 20 years. The American Energy Act sets this reachable goal and streamlines the burdensome regulatory process to make it happen while also supporting recycling of nuclear fuel. Nuclear power is viable, clean and carbon-free and must be part of the equation as our country lowers emissions from our energy sources.

“The Republican alternative also promotes new, clean, renewable and alternative fuels sources like switchgrass, clean coal, solar, wind and geothermal. It increases the supply of American energy by cutting government red-tape and reducing frivolous lawsuits. We can solve our nation’s energy challenges through technology and innovation without burdening American families with higher gas and power bills. This is an environmentally friendly energy plan that creates jobs and helps make energy more affordable for all Americans.”

Here are more details of the American Energy Act.