Rep. McNerney Issues Statement on Energy Provisions in Omnibus Bill

Press Release

Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09) issued the following statement on the renewable energy tax credits and oil export ban provisions in the omnibus spending bill:

"The purpose of the oil export ban was to help America ensure the maximum supply of oil for domestic consumers to prevent shortages and price gouging. Our situation today is substantially different than it was in the 1970's. New oil recovery technology has made the United States the world's biggest oil producer, even though our country still consumes more oil than it produces.

"As Congress considers lifting the oil exports ban as part of the omnibus spending legislation, I believe that such a policy change cannot just be a free giveaway to oil companies at the expense of energy consumers and American families. Any shift on the oil ban should occur in a manner that protects the economy, creates American jobs, and invests in our clean energy future. I am encouraged to see that the omnibus proposal includes renewable energy tax credits to offset some of the potential negative economic effects of lifting the ban.

"These tax credits are an important tool that will help spur an innovative, robust clean energy economy, create good jobs, and reduce carbon emissions. The United States just signed an agreement with nearly 200 countries signaling a move toward a clean fuel future. Our national energy priorities should reflect that commitment, and with these multi-year renewable energy tax credits, we are taking steps to promote greater wind, solar, and renewable power production and increased energy efficiency. These critical investments in clean energy will also help boost our economy, and I will support the omnibus bill in its current form when it comes to floor."

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