Upton urges House for solutions

Published 11:38 am Tuesday, September 16, 2008

By Staff
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, top Republican on the Energy and Air Quality Subcommittee, took to the House floor Friday morning to urge the immediate consideration of an "all of the above" approach to solving our nation's energy needs.
Although the House Democratic leadership shut off the microphones and cameras Thursday for an extended weekend, House Republicans took to the floor all day, as they had every day in August, to speak directly to the American people on the need for long-term solutions to lower skyrocketing fuel prices and fortify our nation's energy supply.
"With the fall of the gavel on Monday that signaled the end of the five-week recess, Congress should have immediately begun debating the 'all of the above' American Energy Act," said Upton.
"Quite frankly, Congress should have never adjourned in early August in the first place. It defies reality with gas spiking in southwest Michigan, OPEC announcing it will reduce production and Hurricane Ike wreaking havoc in the Gulf that Congress would reconvene without debating the American Energy Act and then shutter for an extended weekend."
"Congress owes it to Michigan's working families to put partisan politics aside and debate an 'all of the above' approach now to bring down skyrocketing energy costs and strive for energy independence," Cass County's congressman said.
The last week of July, the Adjournment Resolution passed 213-212 (every Republican and 17 Democrats opposed the resolution) and on Friday, Aug. 1, the U.S. House adjourned until Sept. 8, despite failing to consider legislation to provide working Americans relief at the pump.
Upton strongly supported the convening of an emergency session of Congress to debate the comprehensive American Energy Act, H.R. 6566, an "all of the above" approach to lower gas prices for working Americans and chart the nation on a course toward energy independence.
An emergency session was never convened.
Upton believes in an "all of the above" approach in meeting the energy needs of future generations.
In addition to domestic exploration, Upton believes we should also make a long-term commitment to renewable energy sources like wind and solar, clean coal technologies, emissions-free nuclear power and increased conservation.