Rep. Courtney Backs Compromise Overhaul of National Energy Strategy

Rep. Courtney Backs Compromise Overhaul of National Energy Strateg

Seeking a complete overhaul of our national energy strategy, Congressman Joe Courtney announced that he will vote in favor of H.R. 6899, The Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act, which overhauls our nation's energy policies by providing short-term price relief for consumers and long-term solutions to secure our energy future. The vote on H.R. 6899 is expected to take place on Tuesday evening.

"Time is no longer a luxury for this Congress, or the American people who deserve real relief and confidence that this critical issue is being addressed," stated Courtney. "This energy bill reflects significant change, real progress, and takes meaningful action to wean the country off of foreign oil. We need to increase our energy production now, and create a future based on clean, renewable technology. I believe this compromise bill will set our country on the right path to a sustainable and affordable energy future."

Click here for a complete list of the provisions of H.R. 6899.

The reform bill makes significant investments in alternative and renewable energy, weatherization programs, and other measures to reduce the nation's dependence on fossil fuels. However, the bill also expands domestic oil exploration into the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and promotes greater use of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A).

In addition, Congressman Courtney supported $18.5 billion in loan guarantees to the nuclear industry to spur greater investment in nuclear power. According to the Congressional Research Service, there are 25 applications for 32 nuclear reactors nationwide in the process of being submitted or reviewed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Department of Energy.

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