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Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) released the following statement on the passage of H.R. 1, the  Lower Energy Costs Act:

“Over the past two years, hardworking families, farmers, manufacturers, and everyone in between across America have been hit by skyrocketing energy costs. I continue to hear from people I serve in Ohio’s Fifth District who are struggling to afford basic necessities. No one should struggle to fill up their car’s gas tank or put food on the table to feed their loved ones. Unfortunately, this has become the reality since President Biden took action on his first day in office to cancel the Keystone XL Pipeline. Ever since, the Biden Administration has continued to pursue policies that stifle American energy production.  

“That is why today, we are advancing the Lower Energy Costs Act to push back on the Biden Administration’s radical anti-U.S. energy agenda that is kneecapping our energy producers, eliminating thousands of good-paying jobs, and sending costs soaring. As a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I am very proud to join my colleagues in working to craft this legislation and that my bill, the REFINER Act, is included in this important, pro-energy package.

“I remain committed to pursuing commonsense policies that invest in an all-of-the-above energy approach that responsibly expands domestic energy production, asserts U.S. energy independence, and lowers costs for people in Ohio and our great nation.” 

Statement by Majority Leader Steve Scalise: “I want to thank Congressman Bob Latta for his hard work to increase U.S. refinery capacity with the REFINER Act, included in the Lower Energy Costs Act. Now, it’s time for the Senate and President Biden to do their jobs and work with us to lower energy costs for American workers and families, instead of continuing their anti-American energy crusade.”

Latta spoke in favor of H.R. 1 – the Lower Energy Costs Act – on the House floor this week. Click here, or below, to view his remarks.

Background on the Lower Energy Costs Act: 

The Lower Energy Costs Act would restore American energy independence and lower costs by:

• increasing domestic energy production,
• reforming the permitting process for all industries,
• reversing anti-energy policies advanced by the Biden Administration,
• streamlining energy infrastructure and exports, and
• boosting the production and processing of critical minerals.

Click here for an overview of the bill. 
Click here for a section-by-section summary of the bill. 
Click here for the full text of the bill.

Background on the REFINER Act:

The REFINER Act would require the National Petroleum Council to submit a report to the Secretary of Energy and Congress, detailing:

• the role of petrochemical refineries in the U.S. and the contribution they make to the energy security of the United States, including the reliability of supply in the U.S. of liquid fuels and feedstocks, and the affordability of liquid fuels for consumers in the U.S.;
• analyses and projections for the capacity of petrochemical refineries in the U.S., opportunities for expanding capacity, and current risks to the refineries;
• an assessment of any Federal or State executive actions, regulations, or policies that have caused or contributed to a decline in refining capacity; and
• any recommendations for Federal agencies and Congress to encourage an increase in refining capacity.

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