Today, U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) released the following statement after House Republicans introduced a comprehensive energy solutions plan entitled “The American Energy Act”:

“Gas prices are rising. Utility rates are going up. And yet, in these challenging economic times, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Obama are proposing a bill that will dramatically increase energy prices for hard-working families. This so-called ‘Cap and Trade’ bill that the liberals in Congress are trying to push through Congress would tax you every time you turn on the lights. The President was quoted as saying that energy prices would ‘necessarily skyrocket’ and many experts estimate that millions of jobs will be lost because of this proposed tax.

“As you know, I have been a strong advocate for the environment and have created PRIDE to help keep our region beautiful. There is no doubt that we need a plan to keep our environment safe, but for the sake of economic security, we also need a plan that offers reasonable solutions and keeps jobs at home, instead of sending them overseas. That is why I am proud to support the American Energy Act, a Republican energy solution that offers more affordable energy, more jobs here at home, and a cleaner environment. The Republican plan will increase America’s energy supply through an ‘all of the above’ approach, while the Democrat plan seeks to lower energy demand through government control and high taxes. Kentuckians deserve a comprehensive approach that considers all options to our emerging energy crisis; they should not be punished for turning on the lights.”

The American Energy Act is centered on domestic production of natural resources and is committed to safe and emissions-free nuclear energy. According to the Department of Energy, the safest and most efficient way for utility companies to control carbon emissions is to increase their supply of nuclear energy. The Republican plan has a national goal of licensing 100 new nuclear reactors over the next twenty years by streamlining a burdensome regulatory process and ensuring the recycling and safe storage of spent nuclear fuel. Also, the plan will increase domestic supply by lifting restrictions on the Artic Coastal Plain, the Outer Continental Shelf, and oil shale in the Mountain West. Revenues generated through domestic productions will support innovation in renewable and alternative energy sources, like wind, solar and clean coal technologies.