Duncan Supports All-of-the-Above Energy Approach

Statement

Duncan Supports All-of-the-Above Energy Approach

Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-Tenn.) joined his Republican colleagues to demand a vote on energy legislation that would bring real relief to American families.

"Week after week, my colleagues and I urge the consideration of bills that would bring relief to our citizens and plan for our Nation's future. Time and again, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her very liberal leadership team deny us that opportunity," said Duncan. "In my district and around the Country, hardworking people are forced to make tough choices to ensure that they are able to make it to work and take care of their families, yet the liberals in Congress fail to realize the impact of their inaction."

The bill, the American Energy Act, is an all-encompassing approach that includes increasing American-made energy, improving conservation and efficiency, and promoting renewable and alternative energy technologies.

To increase the supply American-made energy in environmentally sound ways, the legislation will:

Open our deep water ocean resources, which will provide an additional three million barrels of oil per day, as well as 76 trillion cubic feet of natural gas;
Open the Arctic coastal plain, which will provide an additional one million barrels of oil per day;

Allow development of our nation's shale oil resources, which could provide an additional 2.5 million barrels of oil per day; and
Increase the supply of gas at the pump by cutting bureaucratic red tape that essentially blocks construction of new refineries

To improve energy conservation and efficiency, the legislation will:

Provide tax incentives for businesses and families that purchase more fuel efficient vehicles;
Provide a monetary prize for developing the first economically feasible, super-fuel-efficient vehicle reaching 100 miles-per-gallon; and
Provide tax incentives for businesses and homeowners who improve their energy efficiency.

To promote renewable and alternative energy technologies, the legislation will:

Spur the development of alternative fuels through government contracting by repealing the "Section 526" prohibition on government purchasing of alternative energy and promoting coal-to-liquids technology;
Establish a renewable energy trust fund using revenues generated by exploration in the deep ocean and on the Arctic coastal plain;
Permanently extend the tax credit for alternative energy production, including wind, solar and hydrogen; and
Eliminate barriers to the expansion of emission-free nuclear power production.

"I am trying every way I can to help bring down the cost of gas and other forms of energy for hardworking Americans. This bill is our chance to make a difference in the lives of our citizens by boosting our economy and breaking away from our dependence on foreign oil."

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