Cubin: Energy Bill Will Strengthen Wyoming Economy

Cubin: Energy Bill Will Strengthen Wyoming Economy
July 28, 2005

Package Focuses on Domestic Energy Production

Washington - The U.S. House approved the final version of landmark energy reform legislation this afternoon, bringing the bill near the end of a process that began over four years ago.

The bill approved today was a conference report representing the final version of the energy bill after the differences between the House and Senate passed bills were hammered out. The conference report was approved by a vote of 275 to 156.

"The energy bill puts our focus where it needs to be - on producing more energy here at home," said Cubin. "The more energy we produce at home, the less we have to rely on foreign and often hostile regimes to provide the resources we need."

"Increasing production in America means increased production in Wyoming. That focus on Wyoming energy will strengthen our state's economy and keep the royalties flowing to the state that have created historic budget surpluses over that past couple years."

Rep. Cubin helped develop the package and was able to include several Wyoming specific provisions in the final legislation. These include measures to maximize efficient production of coal in the state; help facilitate the deployment of critical energy and telecommunications infrastructure to states with federal lands such as Wyoming; and allow lessees who lost their leases due to a computer glitch at the Interior Department the opportunity to reclaim them.

"People on the East Coast sometimes forget that energy doesn't just come from a light switch," said Cubin. "It comes from the hard work of men and women in states like Wyoming. Wyoming is the nation's energy breadbasket and we're in a unique position to do our part to help ensure America's energy security."

"The energy industry is the foundation of Wyoming's economy. The energy bill will shore up that foundation for years to come."

http://www.house.gov/cubin/news/2005/July28f.html