01.28.16

Broad, Bipartisan Energy Legislation Would Modernize America’s Energy Policies

‘This bipartisan bill builds on technological progress in order to strengthen and sustain America’s energy advances while protecting our environment at the same time — all without raising taxes or adding to the deficit.’

WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the Energy Policy Modernization Act:

“The last time a broad energy bill was signed into law was back in 2007.

“It may as well have been a lifetime ago, as far as America’s energy situation is concerned.

“While we were once living in an era of energy scarcity, we’re now living in an era of higher energy production and lower technology costs.

“It’s change that presents many opportunities, but also challenges.

“Aging infrastructure.

“Bureaucratic hurdles.

“Outdated policies and needless red tape.

“These are the kind of challenges we’ll need to address if we want to support America’s rise as one of the world’s preeminent energy superpowers — if we want support the accompanying potential for jobs, for growth, and for increased energy independence.

“That’s why the Senate is considering the Energy Policy Modernization Act.

“It’s broad, bipartisan legislation that will modernize our energy policies to keep pace with a changing world.

“It will help Americans produce more energy.

“It will help Americans pay less for energy.

“It will help Americans save energy.

“This bipartisan bill builds on technological progress in order to strengthen and sustain America’s energy advances while protecting our environment at the same time — all without raising taxes or adding to the deficit.

“It’s the latest reminder of what’s possible with cooperation in this Senate.

“A huge majority of the Senate Energy Committee supported the bill when it came to a vote.

“The top Republican on the committee supported it. The top Democrat on the committee supported it.

“They're the managers on this bill today.

“They've worked with members of both parties to line up amendments already. They're working with members of both parties to schedule more.

“If you have an amendment you’d like considered, please work with them.

“Let’s get this process moving.

“Let’s get this bill passed so we can support more jobs, more growth, and more energy independence for our country.”

Related Issues: Energy, Infrastructure