Lower Energy Costs Act passes House
Yesterday, the House voted to pass House Resolution 1—the Lower Energy Costs Act. The comprehensive legislation, sponsored by Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA-1), focuses on increasing American energy production, reforming the permitting process for energy infrastructure projects, and promoting domestic energy independence. Among many actions, the bill would bring clarity to pipeline projects by limiting environmental reviews to two years and require one timetable and environmental document for the multiple agencies’ reviews.
House Republicans’ passage of H.R.1 clearly illustrates their priorities for the 118th Congress. As the last year of energy volatility has shown, securing American energy independence is necessary to combat high prices. Comprehensive permitting reform will cut delays, streamlining energy projects such as pipelines and export facilities which will support domestic production.
Similarly, a strong American energy industry has provided Europe with much needed liquid natural gas as our allies have worked themselves off a reliance on Russian energy. However, pipeline and export facility constraints have limited the U.S.’ ability to get our resources to market. American energy security is vital for our own national security, as well as the national security of allies in Europe and H.R. 1 is a significant step towards solidifying it.