WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) applauded passage of the conference report for legislation on a national energy policy, H.R. 6.  The vote represents a final step in Congress before the president may sign the bill into law.

 

“Simply put, our nation is in desperate need of a national energy policy to meet our long-term needs.  We need the energy independence, stable prices, secure supplies and strong infrastructure that can only be accomplished by having industry, government and consumers on the same page, working together,”  Emerson said.  “In Southern Missouri, our manufacturers and producers require affordable and reliable supplies of energy to bring their products to market.  Our economy depends on the price of fuels.  While this bill won’t create immediate relief, it will head off long-term problems.  I wish we had passed this bill ten years ago, because it would have helped us avoid many of the energy problems we struggle with today.”

 

H.R. 6 includes incentives for the domestic production of oil and boost production of clean natural gas.  Energy technology is a major component of the bill, with components to stabilize the national electricity grid and to improve electricity transmission capabilities.  It also encourages use of energy alternatives, such as ethanol, soy diesel, and biofuels.

 

“The provisions on alternative fuels are extremely encouraging.  In Southern Missouri, we have the resources to literally grow our own fuels.  New refineries are being planned for ethanol in our region, and the result will be a reliable supply of a fuel additive that can reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” Emerson said.  “In addition, we are counting on this legislation to be a supply of good jobs in the U.S. as we explore new ways to create biofuels and energy alternatives.”
         
In 2004, more than 50 percent of oil resources consumed in the U.S. were imported from overseas. 

 

“In today’s global economy, energy supplies are strategic resources.  Our economy depends on a secure, stable supply of energy, but so do our national security and public health.  Blackouts, high prices and vulnerable energy infrastructure all pose risks to our nation.  This bill addresses many of those concerns and enables us to assure Americans of long-term stability in markets for gasoline, home heating oil, natural gas and electricity,” Emerson said.