Republicans Will Champion Common-Sense Clean Energy Reforms That Will Help Grow the Economy, Strengthen National Security, Achieve Energy Independence and Preserve Our Environment
Washington, D.C. – This morning, CRES released the following statement applauding the launch of House Republican Energy, Innovation and Environmental Working Group as reported by Politico. The House group comes on the heels of a similar Senate Working Group established last fall.
“Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions enthusiastically applauds these House Republicans for launching the Energy, Innovation and Environmental Working Group and their commitment to common sense energy solutions for America,” CRES Executive Director James Dozier said.
“This working group is comprised of long-time conservative and moderate Republican allies who understand the role the free market and innovation play in developing new technologies that create jobs and protect the quality of our air and water. It is vitally important that we have Members of Congress actively engaging in efforts to work with congressional leaders to bring clean energy technologies to market that can strengthen American’s national security, bolster our economy, help achieve energy independence in the 21st Century, and preserve our climate,” Dozier concluded.
The twelve Members of Congress who comprise the working group’s membership to date hail from every region of the country. They include: Rep. Bob Dold (IL), Rep. Barbara Comstock (VA), Rep. Ryan Costello (PA), Rep. Carlos Curbelo (FL), Rep. Chris Gibson (NY), Rep. Richard Hanna (NY), Rep. Joe Heck (NV), Rep. Adam Kinzinger (IL), Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY), Rep. Tom Reed (NY), Rep. Dave Reichert (WA), Rep. Kevin Yoder (KS).
Congressional members of the working group also released statements regarding the Hour Working Group.
Rep. Barbara Comstock (VA-10): “America is a world leader in energy production, yet our outdated energy infrastructure has failed to keep pace with innovative technology in the 21st Century. The House Republican Energy, Innovation, and Environmental Working Group will be a valuable resource dedicated to increasing domestic manufacturing and resource development, the creation of hundreds of thousands of new clean energy jobs, and maximization of our energy potential among competing nations across the globe.”
Rep. Adam Kinzinger (IL-16): “Taking control of America’s energy potential is critically important to keeping our nation secure while advancing our economy in an environmentally friendly way. The recent boom in domestic energy production is indicative of what can happen when we allow American innovation to thrive, as our workers are the best in the world in energy production. I look forward to working with my colleagues on these important issues.”
Rep. Chris Gibson (NY-19): “With constant fluctuations in domestic and international markets for fossil fuels, leading to the regular gain and loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs, we must seek ways to bring certainty, jobs, and security to our energy sector while being responsible stewards of our environment. Smart investments and private-public partnerships in advancing clean and renewable energy resources and advancing innovation in energy efficiency as well as transportation and transmission are all critical components to reaching these goals, leaving our environment cleaner, our economy stronger, and unemployment lower for future generations. I look forward to being a part of the Energy, Innovation, and Environment Working Group’s efforts to achieve these conservative goals.”
Rep. Joe Heck (NV-03): “To maintain our economic and national security, we must maximize all of our nation’s energy resources, including renewable sources, alternative fuels, and fossil fuels, all in a way that balances economic development while protecting our environment. Nevada is poised to lead the nation in the production of renewable energy sources like solar and geothermal, which will help get people back to work and improve our economy. As a nation we must be committed to achieving energy independence and I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue to advance policies that boost production, lower energy prices, and expand job opportunities.”
Rep. Richard Hanna (NY-22) “This nation must support market-based solutions that encourage individuals to reduce their carbon footprint and transition to renewable fuels. In recent years, the costs of installing solar infrastructure dropped precipitously and market-disrupting innovations have hastened its deployment. Policy needs to catch up with innovation, which is why I support so-called ‘net-metering’ policies to allow individuals to sell excess energy production back to the grid in exchange for credits. This is the kind of free-market, innovative solution that empowers individuals to make a difference and personally participate in effecting change. More bureaucracy will not make for a cleaner environment, but what will is an American commitment to invest in innovative, new technologies that will provide a return on investment in the form of less pollution, a higher quality of health and more sustainable energy solutions.”
Rep. Ryan Costello (PA-06): “Pennsylvania has emerged as a clean energy leader by incentivizing clean energy plans, attracting private investment, and producing thousands of new jobs. Now, we have an opportunity to pave the way to a more sustainable environment that creates millions of new jobs around the United States. The formation of the Energy Working Group sends a strong message that House Republicans are serious about addressing our nation’s energy challenges through viable, pro-growth solutions.”
Rep. Bob Dold (IL-10): “As an Eagle Scout and a Scout Master for many years, I know firsthand why we must all work to strengthen conservation programs and other policies that promote public health, protect our environment and keep our air and waterways clean. The formation of this working group brings us closer to finding solutions that will achieve real results to protect the environment for future generations.”
Rep. Tom Reed (NY-23): “The American economy, especially our manufacturing industry requires reliable, inexpensive energy. We care about keeping and creating the quality, family-sustaining jobs of today and tomorrow in our nation. That is why we have sponsored an all-of-the-above approach toward energy development, that will keep utility costs low for families and businesses but also one that will fairly protect our environment. We are a nation of innovators than can find the next sources of energy and I’m optimistic that we will move forward together because it’s the right thing to do.”
Rep. Carlos Curbelo (FL-26): “Pursuing pro-growth policies that will make America energy independent through increased and environmentally sustainable domestic production, energy diversification, and increased efficiency will help to revolutionize our economy and protect our national security. The American people want results, and the formation of the New Energy Working Group is proof that House Republicans have heard them loud and clear.”
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Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization advocating for comprehensive and responsible solutions to our nation’s energy issues. The organization is comprised of citizens from around the country who believe it is time for politicians in Washington to stop arguing, and start working on ways to solve our nation’s energy crisis.