Lower Energy Costs Act

Floor Speech

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Mrs. CHAVEZ-DeREMER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Lower Energy Costs Act, a comprehensive and commonsense proposal that would lower costs for Oregon families by unleashing American energy.

The Lower Energy Costs Act paves the way for projects that would directly benefit Oregon.

H.R. 1 would prevent the environmental permitting process for critical minerals, making it more efficient for Oregon businesses to manufacture scarce and valuable products like semiconductors.

From the smartphone in your pocket, Mr. Chairman, to batteries needed for storing renewable energy, it is unacceptable that the United States is currently so reliant on China for critical products. The pragmatic permitting changes in this bill protect our national security by reducing our reliance on the Chinese Communist Party.

These changes also create opportunities for public-private partnerships on energy construction projects.

Instead of doing business with China, H.R. 1 presents an opportunity for my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support good-paying union jobs right here at home.

The Lower Energy Costs Act would streamline initiatives like the Jordan Cove energy project, which would have been a $10 billion investment in a natural gas project in Oregon.

As we work toward a carbon-neutral future, we must also recognize that the United States produces cleaner energy than any other country, including natural gas. A Department of Energy report found that natural gas produced in America is 40 percent cleaner than natural gas produced in Russia.

Energy prices and the cost of living have remained elevated for far too long.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1, which would help restore our energy independence, support jobs, and lower costs for hardworking families.

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