IPAA, Energy Workforce, others urge U.S. Senate to pass Lower Energy Costs Act: UPDATED

(WO) — Energy groups like The Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) and the Energy Workforce & Technology Council have issued statements in support of H.R. 1 - the Lower Energy Costs Act, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives with a bipartisan vote of 225-204. Both organizations are urging the full Senate to support the legislation.

IPAA President and CEO, Jeff Eshelman, said, “This bill will allow more investment to be put back in the ground for new American, responsible development across the energy supply chain. This legislation - and its designation as the House’s first bill - is a clear indication of the direction and priority that is set by the new House leadership - congratulations to them for getting this much needed bill through their chamber. The provisions of this bill, including repealing the methane tax and streamlining NEPA to process permits in a timelier manner, provide guidance and assurance that American natural gas and oil are a top priority. This legislation will help lower costs for American consumers at home and add to greater American energy security in the global marketplace.

“"IPAA now urges the full Senate to support this legislation. Permitting reform is needed for all energy sources and our country needs to have realistic conversations on how to accomplish it; sidelining legislation before it has the opportunity to be properly discussed isn’t how we achieve that."

Tim Tarpley, Energy Workforce & Technology Council President, said, “We believe this legislation will allow for a resurgence in American oil and natural gas production by providing much needed regulatory reform, removing barriers to vital infrastructure development, and restoring certainty to federal on- and offshore leasing. Unlocking our domestic energy strengthens our national security, lowers energy costs across the country, and helps reduce global emissions by increasing U.S. oil and gas that is produced cleaner and safer and under stricter environmental regulations than almost all other major suppliers.”

Mike Sommers, President and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute (API) commented, “It is clear now that both Republicans and Democrats share the common goal of providing reliable energy to Americans and making energy safer, cleaner, and more affordable. This is a positive step towards enacting serious, bipartisan permitting reform and we look forward to continuing to collaborate on real solutions that will modernize our infrastructure and benefit all Americans.”