To the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives:
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce strongly supports H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, which would advance important policies to reform America’s broken permitting process, enhance energy security, protect energy exports and critical energy infrastructure, and increase production and processing of America’s critical minerals. The Chamber may consider votes related to this legislation in our annual How They Voted scorecard.
The permitting process should not take longer than it takes to build new infrastructure, and this legislation would greatly improve predictability and transparency which would accelerate the investments necessary to support energy security, national security, and economic development. Industries as diverse as broadband and renewable energy to road construction and natural gas are hampered by an outdated and burdensome permitting system that deters investment in projects of all kinds. The 117th Congress made historic investments in building the infrastructure necessary to maintain global competitiveness well into the future. Without substantive changes to the permitting process, those investments will not be fully realized. H.R. 1’s common-sense reforms to the permitting process are badly overdue.
Similarly, we support the provisions to bolster energy security. Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine reminded the world that energy security is, and always will be, crucial. H.R. 1 would help ensure reliable, secure, and affordable domestic energy supplies and would enhance America’s leadership in technology innovation and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. We support provisions that require the Department of the Interior to resume the regular lease sales for oil and natural gas onshore and offshore. We also support provisions to bolster mining, refining, and processing of critical minerals, and those that allow us to continue leveraging natural gas exports to grow our economy and provide critical energy supplies to our allies.
We oppose any amendments that weaken the underlying legislation and urge you to vote “yes” when H.R. 1 comes to the floor later this week.
Sincerely,
Evan Jenkins
Senior Vice President
Government Affairs
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
