Oct 1, 2009 IPAA Calls on Senate to Encourage American Energy Production as Boxer-Kerry Moves Forward
WASHINGTON – Barry Russell, president and CEO of the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), issued the following statement today regarding cap-and-trade legislation jointly introduced by U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and John Kerry (D-Mass.):
“Three months ago, by a narrow seven vote margin, the U.S. House passed a cap-and-trade bill that discourages the safe and effective production of American energy resources. Producing more of our own energy will help stabilize prices for American consumers, create good-paying jobs, and help drive down our dependence on foreign energy. While the House-passed bill would move the nation further away from reaching our clean energy goals and weaken our security, the Senate now has an opportunity to make this legislation better and more balanced so that consumers are not left paying more for energy.
“The president and cap-and-trade proponents on Capitol Hill frequently invoke the need to reduce carbon emissions as a means to combat global warming. We believe fostering and encouraging the production of clean-burning, American natural gas is one way to help reduce carbon emissions. Using the resources we have more wisely should also be a top priority. That said, the U.S. has nearly a 100-year supply of natural gas. And new shale formations – such as the Marcellus, Haynesville and Fayetteville – are testament to the fact that 21st century energy production technologies can safely deliver affordable, reliable and clean-burning fuels to families and small businesses that need them most.
“The untold amounts of economic growth these regions are experiencing are remarkable, and any climate change bill should work to encourage – not discourage – further developments of our critically important American resources. As the Senate moves forward with its deliberations over the Boxer-Kerry bill, America’s independent energy producers are eager to continue to work with congressional and administration leaders to deliver a bill to the American people that will help strengthen our energy security through the production of our homegrown natural gas and oil.”
