WASHINGTON, D.C.—Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy, today applauded progress in the House of Representatives on two key items that will improve America’s energy security.The House Energy and Commerce Committee passed H.R.1938, the “North American-Made Energy Security Act,” which would help facilitate better coordination of the Keystone XL pipeline federal permit approval process and give much needed certainty by providing a clear deadline for decision.“The Keystone XL pipeline would significantly increase America’s energy and economic security by providing us with 1.1 million barrels of oil a day from Canada, a key ally, and create more than 20,000 jobs in the short-term,” said Harbert. “Unfortunately, the Obama Administration continues to delay approval of the permits necessary to begin construction. Today’s vote in the Energy and Commerce Committee advances legislation that will at long last give the project a firm deadline for decision and permitting.”In addition, on Wednesday evening the House approved legislation that will streamline the permitting process for oil and natural gas exploration. H.R.2021, the “Jobs and Energy Permitting Act of 2011” passed the House on a 253-166 vote. “Exploration in the Arctic and the Gulf of Mexico has been hamstrung by bureaucratic delays in obtaining EPA permits,” said Harbert. “This bill provides the EPA with a reasonable time period to consider and act on applications for oil and natural gas application. By establishing a predictable approval timeline, this legislation will encourage development of American energy resources and provide much-needed revenues to the federal government.”The mission of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for 21st Century Energy is to unify policymakers, regulators, business leaders, and the American public behind a common sense energy strategy to help keep America secure, prosperous, and clean. Through policy development, education, and advocacy, the Institute is building support for meaningful action at the local, state, national, and international levels.
The mission of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for 21st Century Energy is to unify policymakers, regulators, business leaders, and the American public behind a common sense energy strategy to help keep America secure, prosperous, and clean. Through policy development, education, and advocacy, the Institute is building support for meaningful action at the local, state, national, and international levels.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.