Press Releases

Congressman Larry Bucshon (IN-08) released the following comment in regards to the passage of H.R. 4480, the Domestic Energy and Jobs Act of 2012 which passed by a vote of 248-163.

Congressman Bucshon (IN-08) states:

“Supporting affordable, American made energy over Middle Eastern oil is a common sense vote.  I proudly support initiatives to improve and streamline rules and regulations that will create a healthier economy and get Americans back to work.  The greatest potential to grow the real economy can be found in our nation’s energy resources.  Every day we wait is another delay towards the goal of energy independence.”

Background:

The Domestic Energy and Jobs Act is a package of domestic energy production bills that will not only reduce energy costs that hardworking families and small businesses currently face, but also spur badly-needed economic growth and job creation. This legislation will drive a manufacturing renaissance that will be a catalyst to America’s overall economic recovery.

Bills Included in Domestic Energy and Jobs Act:

Strategic Energy Production Act of 2012, H.R. 4480 (Rep. Cory Gardner, CO-4)

The Strategic Energy Production Act of 2012 (H.R. 4480) links tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to increasing energy production on federal lands.  If the President releases oil from the SPR, the Administration will be required to develop a plan to lease more federal lands for exploration and production.

Gasoline Regulations Act of 2012, H.R. 4471 (Rep. Ed Whitfield, KY-1)

The Gasoline Regulations Act (H.R. 4471) would require an interagency committee to conduct a cumulative analysis on certain EPA rules and actions that impact the price of gasoline and diesel fuels.  It will pause the implementation of the Tier 3 fuel standards, refinery New Source Performance Standards, and ozone standards until six months after the report is submitted to Congress, which should provide for a better understanding of the costs and consequences of these rules.

Planning for American Energy Act of 2012, H.R.4381 (Rep. Scott Tipton, CO-3)

The Planning for American Energy Act of 2012 (H.R. 4381) would require the Secretary of the Interior to establish an all-of-the-above energy program for federal lands by reviewing the nation’s energy needs and then establishing goals for federal land energy production to meet those needs from all energy sources, oil, natural gas, coal and renewables.

Providing Leasing Certainty for American Energy Act of 2012, H.R 4382 (Rep. Mike Coffman, CO-6)

The Providing Leasing Certainty for American Energy Act of 2012 (H.R. 4382) would: 1) require a minimum annual acreage leasing plan that makes available at least 25 percent of the lands open for leasing each year for which there is interest in development and 2) set firm timelines for the Secretary of the Interior to issue leases and adjudicate lease protests.  It would also prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from withdrawing leases and adding additional lease stipulations after they have been sold.

Streamlining Permitting of American Energy Act of 2012, H.R. 4383 (Rep. Doug Lamborn, CO-5)

The Streamlining Permitting of American Energy Act (H.R. 4383) would ensure a reliable permitting process to increase American energy production.  It would remove government roadblocks and bureaucratic red tape that hinder and delay American energy production and American job creation.  It streamlines and reforms the process for energy permitting, once a lease is in hand, to encourage the timely development of our federal onshore oil, natural gas, and renewable resources.

National Petroleum Reserve Alaska Access Act, H.R. 2150 (Rep. “Doc” Hastings, WA-4)

The National Petroleum Reserve Alaska Access Act (H.R. 2150) will create new jobs, support current energy jobs in Alaska, expand American energy production and lower energy costs by ensuring that oil and natural gas resources in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPRA) are developed and transported in a timely, efficient manner.

BLM Live Internet Auctions Act, H.R. 2752 (Rep. Bill Johnson, OH-6)

The BLM Live Internet Auctions Act (H.R. 2752) gives the Secretary of the Interior the authority to conduct Internet-based auctions for onshore leases to ensure the best return to the Federal taxpayer, reduce fraud, and secure the leasing process.

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