COMMENTARY Beach resident and U.S. Representative Scott Rigell supports House efforts to increase American energy independence and create jobs By Scott Rigell This week voted for three bills that further develops our nation’s natural resources. New energy production that results from this legislation will create jobs, generate revenue for American schools and roads, and help reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil. We need to keep moving forward on bipartisan efforts to responsibly develop our energy resources. Energy is the number one way to create jobs and diversify the Hampton Roads economy while moving America away from its dangerous reliance on foreign oil. This translates into resources that could be used to improve local schools, fund transportation projects, and diversify the local economy. Moving Virginia’s offshore energy forward to create jobs has been one of my top legislative priorities since taking office in 2011. Last year, I introduced the Virginia Jobs and Energy Act (H.R. 1782). In addition to mandating that Lease Sale 220 be conducted within one year, the Virginia Jobs and Energy Act requires at least one additional lease sale be included within the Virginia Lease Sale Planning Area in each subsequent five year leasing plan. My bill also hastens the process for offshore renewable energy development. Provisions of H.R. 1782 passed the House as a part of a larger House energy package and await action in the Senate. I recognize the need to harness energy in a safe, environmentally responsible way. I reject those who say we must choose between job creation and our environment. We’re Americans. We can develop needed American energy while meeting our deep moral obligation to leave our children with clean air, clean water, and clean soil. The responsible development of Virginia offshore energy can produce as many as 25,000 local jobs for the Commonwealth of Virginia, according to a recent study by Quest Offshore. More about the bills passed this week: H.R. 3301, the North American Energy Infrastructure Act: eliminates the requirement that oil and gas pipelines and electric transmission lines that cross U.S. borders with Mexico or Canada obtain a Presidential Permit. The bill establishes a new, more efficient approval process by requiring developers to obtain a “certificate of crossing” for cross-border oil pipelines and electric transmission facilities. H.R. 6, the Domestic Prosperity and Global Freedom Act: requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to make a decision on applications to export liquid natural gas under Section 3 of the Natural Gas Act within 90 days of the later of either: (1) the end of the comment period; or (2) the bill’s enactment. H.R 6 provides for expedited review if an applicant wishes to challenge DOE’s decision, or if DOE fails to make a decision in the given timeframe. H.R. 4899, Lowering Gas Prices to Fuel an America That Works Act: lowers gasoline prices, creates American jobs, and strengthens national security by increasing offshore and onshore production, reducing bureaucratic red tape, and unlocking vast energy resources the Obama Administration has kept out of production.
Posted on: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 01:14:56 +0000
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