Western Senate Republicans Unite

Press Release

Western Senate Republicans Unite

Introduce an "All of the Above" Energy Strategy

Senate Republicans from Western states have united to form the Senate Western Caucus.

The Senate Western Caucus (SWC) is made up of Senators from Western and rural states who are committed to upholding the fundamental principles of the West. Western Republicans on both sides of Capitol Hill are unified behind a Western approach to solving America's problems.

The inaugural Chairman of the SWC, Sen. John Barrasso said, "We believe in the Western values of rugged individualism, self-reliance, and economic freedom. We oppose federal intrusion in the everyday lives of Americans. We understand that Washington cannot legislate economic progress by spending billions in taxpayer dollars or imposing strict environmental regulations."

"The anti-oil agenda being pursued by the current Administration and congressional leadership, will impact every American in higher gas prices, higher energy prices, and higher food prices. We call ourselves the Senate Western Caucus, but we're fighting for all Americans who pump gas into their car, turn on the lights at home, or want feed their children healthy, affordable meals," Senator Hatch said.

"As we see our gas prices start to rise again, we are reminded that energy security must continue to be a top priority," said Senator Bennett, ranking Republican of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water. "The West is well positioned to be a leader in energy development, and I will work with my colleagues on the caucus to hold the administration accountable on its promise to produce more energy at home. The Obama budget is a key indicator that the administration's priorities are narrowly focused when it comes to establishing an energy plan in our country. America needs an energy plan that is comprehensive and includes not only renewable energy, but oil and gas development and nuclear energy as well."

Members of the Senate Western Caucus used today's launch to introduce a comprehensive energy bill. The bill aims to protect our natural resources,
while developing a sound energy policy that uses all American sources.
SWC Chairman, Barrasso introduced the Clean, Affordable, Reliable Energy Act (CARE) to take advantage of all American resources - from wind and solar to nuclear and clean coal to oil and gas.

"America deserves an all of the above energy strategy. We must make more American energy and use less," added Barrasso. "We need to make America's energy as clean as we can, as fast as we can, without raising energy prices for American families. Our bill would open up additional onshore and offshore areas to oil and gas development. It would reduce our dependence on foreign oil while promoting conservation and efficiency. The bill would harness American ingenuity and put folks in Wyoming and around the country to work."

The bill provides funding for energy research and merit-based scholarships at U.S. colleges and universities.

It extends tax credits for energy efficient buildings and creates a new tax credit for home energy audits.

"Revenues generated by this development would be invested in renewable and alternative sources of energy as well as energy education and workforce development," Barrasso said.

Current Co-Sponsors
Senator John Barrasso (R-WY)
Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID)
Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT)
Senator David Vitter (R-LA)
Senator Jim Risch (R-ID)
Senator Bob Bennett (R-UT)
Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY)

Senate Western Caucus Membership
Senator John Barrasso (R-WY)
Senator Bob Bennett (R-UT)
Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID)
Senator John Ensign (R-NV)
Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY)
Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT)
Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ)
Senator Mike Johanns (R-NE)
Senator Jim Risch (R-ID)
Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS)
Senator David Vitter (R-LA)

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