Weekly Column

     You don't have to look too far and you don't have to search too hard to see the need for a national energy policy--it only takes a quick glance at the prices at the pump or a look at your monthly heat and air bills. Energy is vital to every sector of the U.S. economy, including homes, small businesses and industries. Energy powers computers, appliances, technology and fuels transportation and farming processes. When energy supplies are tight, families and businesses are severely impacted by the resulting increase in energy costs. High energy prices and a deteriorating energy infrastructure have forced many U.S. manufacturers to slow production, lay off workers and even go out of business.

     President Bush has called for a nationwide, long-term energy plan to help reduce the discrepancy between rising energy needs and our nation's energy supply, and this year Congress will give him one. This important legislation will help reduce our growing dependence on unstable foreign oil supplies, create and retain jobs, improve our economy and create incentives for energy exploration, while also promoting conservation, efficiency and necessary environmental regulations.

      Last week the House and Senate passed the conference report on the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (H.R. 6), which lays out many action items that will help ensure a more affordable, abundant and environmentally friendly supply of energy.  It is estimated that the Energy Policy Act Of 2005 will help save jobs and will help create nearly half a million jobs. The new jobs will be in all sectors, including manufacturing, construction, agriculture and technology.

      I believe the Energy Policy Act will be both good for our nation and good for Oklahoma. Oklahoma is now the 2nd largest producer of natural gas and remains a leader in the recovery of oil as well. The state's oil and gas sector has expanded by over 6,000 jobs since 2000. With a sound energy policy that incentivizes production, we can recover more of Oklahoma's existing reserves.

    To help meet the nation’s energy needs, the Energy Policy Act of 2005:

• Encourages domestic production of oil by streamlining the permit process, promoting greater refining capacity, and curbing the proliferation of boutique fuels;
• Reduces the demand for oil by increasing funding to improve fuel efficiency standards and encouraging the development of alternative sources of energy;
• Boosts production of clean natural gas to help lower soaring prices;
• Improves our nation’s electricity transmission capability and reliability to prevent future blackouts;
• Promotes clean and renewable fuels by providing incentives for clean coal technology and other fuels such as biomass, wind, solar, and hydroelectricity;
• Encourages conservation by establishing new mandatory efficiency requirements for federal buildings, greater efficiency standards and product labeling for battery chargers, refrigerators, freezers, unit heaters, and other household products.

     I am very pleased that Congress is sending an energy package to the President. A sound Energy Policy will make our country more stable now and for many years to come. This legislation gives America a foundation which to build as we strive to become more energy independent.