“One of the biggest issues our nation faces today is the growing energy crisis,” Ross said. “This significant energy legislation will put our country on a path towards energy independence, create new American jobs and strengthen our national security through the creation of domestic sources of energy, so that we can begin to break our reliance on foreign oil for our energy supply. I am proud to support this bill because it truly is an investment in the future prosperity of this country.”

Ross said “The Energy Independence and Security Act” will make an historic commitment to American-grown biofuels which will benefit our farm families and help drive down the rising costs consumers are forced to pay at the pump. The legislation would also increase the fuel efficiency standards of vehicles saving Arkansans up to $1,000 a year on gasoline.

“We cannot continue to place the burden of America’s failed energy policy on the shoulders of our working families,” Ross said. “America is the leader of the free world, and as the price of oil approaches a record $100 per barrel, it is time that we put in place an energy policy to help all Americans so that they are no longer forced to suffer the economic consequences of a market manipulated by international oil cartels.”

Ross noted that the “The Energy Independence and Security Act” works to make small businesses leaders in renewable energy by providing $698 million in long-term tax incentives to encourage the production of renewable fuels such as cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel.

The energy package approved Thursday by the House passed with broad bipartisan support, as well as support from a large coalition of environmental, labor, faith and business organizations.  Ross credited the far reaching support of this measure to the fact that all Americans have a stake in energy independence and lower energy costs.

This legislation was the result of numerous hearings held by the House Energy and Commerce Committee and its subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality over the last 11 months where Ross is a member, and has played a key role to help remedy our nation's energy crisis.

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