Marino Remains Committed to U.S. Energy Independence

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Tom Marino (PA-10) continued to promote an all-of-the-above approach to U.S. energy independence and affordability.

Speaking at the Pennsylvania Coal Alliance's "Count on Coal" event this morning, Marino noted the importance of utilizing alternative sources of energy, contrasting President Obama's continued war on coal.

"Obama claims he supports an "all-of-the-above' energy approach -- as long as that approach doesn't include coal, natural gas, oil, or nuclear resources," Marino said. "The Obama Administration's proposed rule to cap carbon emissions from new power plants is just another line of attack to make certain energy sources -- sources like coal and fossil fuels -- so expensive that the producers themselves go bankrupt."

Earlier this year, Rep. Marino introduced the bi-partisan Responsibly And Professionally Invigorating Development (RAPID) Act, legislation aimed at establishing a transparent and streamlined permitting process for new energy and infrastructure projects.

"The RAPID Act is just one of many bills supported and championed by House Republicans that will get government red tape out of the way and allow the private sector to create desperately needed jobs and spur our economy," Marino said. "One study identified 351 proposed coal, wind, nuclear, and natural gas projects in 2011 alone, that would have generated $1.1 trillion and 1.9 million jobs annually if approved. Sadly, bureaucratic barriers have limited the opportunity and growth of such projects."

An op-ed appearing in today's The Hill authored by U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO, Thomas Donahue, praised Rep. Marino's recently introduced Responsibly And Professionally Invigorating Development (RAPID) Act, stating it would "foster job creation by requiring the government to process permits in a timely manner," and would "ensure efficiency, transparency and greater public participation in the regulatory process."

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