Unleashing America's Energy Potential

Statement

Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement upon House passage of H.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015:

"America is blessed with tremendous energy resources, however, outdated policies and radical environmental regulations are holding our country back from realizing our full energy potential," Scalise said. "This legislation matches 21st Century energy opportunities with a much-needed 21st Century energy strategy. This bill updates misguided policies, including a repeal of the outdated ban on oil exports, so we can create good jobs and strengthen America's energy security. The energy industry has been a driving force in our economic recovery --an amazing success story in creating good-paying jobs by providing homegrown energy to America and our allies around the world. We must build upon this success and continue to unleash the power of this American energy revolution, and this legislation does just that. I would like to commend Chairman Fred Upton and the entire Energy and Commerce Committee for their hard work and dedication to modernizing America's energy infrastructure.

"A key component of H.R. 8 lifts the decades-old crude oil exports ban, and reaffirms-yet again-our commitment to increasing energy independence, job creation and economic growth. In Louisiana alone, lifting the ban on crude oil exports would generate more than 5,000 jobs and nearly $300 million in economic activity. Our economy thrives when job-creators are not subjected to harmful protectionist policies intended to solve a problem that no longer exists. I thank my friend Congressman Joe Barton for shepherding this important amendment through the legislative process for the hard-working taxpayers of Louisiana and our nation."

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