Hermitage, Pa.  -  Today, U.S. Rep. Phil English (R-Pa.) met with members of the Hermitage Rotary and discussed current energy policy.

“At a time when the American economy is reeling from unstable energy costs, Congress ought to be able to advance a bipartisan energy agenda that will encourage conservation, increase the use of renewable energy and further develop new technologies to create a more sustainable energy supply,” said English, a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over tax issues.

English noted that Congress’s long-term failure to craft an energy policy that successfully brings more energy to market has partially led to the economic struggles America is experiencing today.  English, a long time advocate in the development of a strong and effective energy policy, called on Congress to advance an energy plan to help lower prices at the pump and bring greater stability to energy markets through increased domestic production.

“With gas prices now at $4 per gallon and still heading north, local families are getting pounded at the pump,” English said.  “America’s energy crisis is no longer an issue that can be turned into a political football that is simply punted to the next Congress.  We have to act and we have to act now.”

This Congress English introduced H.R. 2652, the Generating Renewable Energy and Encouraging Novel (GREEN) Technologies Act, which includes a number of provisions that would foster environmentally-sound development and use of energy sources. Importantly for Pennsylvania, this bill promotes clean coal technology and incentives for renewable or eternal sources of energy such as wind, biofuel, ethanol and solar.  A number of tax incentives are included in the GREEN Technologies Act of 2007 to further stimulate the economy, create jobs and better meet consumer needs.

“By using the tax code to promote energy diversification we can lower energy prices for Americans across the country and help community businesses make the transition to cleaner production,” English said. “This approach has the potential for bipartisan support and creates the opportunity to make our economy competitive, create more jobs and at the same time, benefit American consumers.”

Although the GREEN Technologies Act tackles the long-term needs of the American energy supply, English stressed the need for Congress to address the short-term needs and advance policies that will bring more energy to market, encourage conservation and develop new renewable sources. This Congress English introduced the Affordable Fuel for Consumers Act, legislation that will provide immediate price relief for consumers at the pump and increase domestic supplies of traditional energy in the market in the near-term.  English has also encouraged drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) or the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in an environmentally-friendly manner and fought to bring legislation to the House floor that will expand refinery production in America.                                       

“Although there is no silver bullet that will automatically fix to the energy crisis we are experiencing today, there are a variety of energy policy initiatives that can certainly be certainly part of the solution,” English said. “Time is of the essence and we must act now help us to regain control of our energy future.”

In closing, English advised on the Congressional agenda for the remainder of the 110th Congress.

“Congress needs to move this year to deal fully and directly with the economic challenges that our country and our communities are facing,” English said. “Congress can best restore its reputation by enacting an energy plan that meets the needs of the 21st century, fulfilling its promises on strengthening U.S. trade laws and embrace strong pro-growth tax policies that will benefit everyone by reinvigorating the American economy.”

To learn more about English’s energy initiatives visit his website at:  www.housegov/english
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