All five members of Oklahoma’s U.S. House Delegation voted for the Republican-led H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act. It would make way to increase domestic oil and gas production, repeal restrictions on natural gas imports and exports, including LNG, disapproves President Joe Biden’s canceling of the Keystone XL Pipeline, and reforms permitting processes.
The bill passed the U.S. House by a vote of 225 to 204.
Here is what our delegation members had to say after H.R. 1 passed on Thursday.
Congressman Frank Lucas:
“Over the past 19 months, the Biden Administration has logjammed American energy projects in government regulatory purgatory and enacted policies that have led to the dependence of energy from foreign adversaries- all leading to higher prices for America’s families and communities. Oklahoma, and the United States as a whole, has tremendous potential to utilize its energy resources – resources that have the capability to provide efficient and reliable energy for many of our communities. The Lower Energy Costs Act would enhance our energy resources, strengthen our energy and national security, enact sensible permitting reforms into law, and- most importantly- cut costs for consumers. The backbone of America’s energy security are the resources that lie within our grasps for development. As the global leader in energy technology development and science innovation, the United States must take an all-of-the-above approach that embraces a wide range of energy sources and technologies that support integrated energy systems. I’m proud to support the Lower Energy Costs Act, ensuring America can untap the energy resources of tomorrow and strengthen America’s energy security while making energy cleaner, more affordable, and more reliable for all Americans.”
Congressman Tom Cole:
“President Joe Biden’s repeated actions and anti-North American energy policies have left the United States in a vulnerable position by substantially driving up energy prices and damaging our energy security. However, House Republicans have put forth a plan to end this sad state of affairs. By rolling back the Biden Administration’s disastrous Green New Deal-style agenda, we can unleash our energy resources here at home, lower energy costs and ensure the U.S. is not reliant on states such as China, Russia or Iran for energy sources. Over the past two years we have learned that an all of the above energy policy is certainly the best route for the American people and our national security, and I was proud to support the Lower Energy Costs Act that would fulfill this goal.”
Congressman Kevin Hern:
“Republicans continue to follow through on our commitment to America. We gave this bill number one because it is our top priority – it’s also just the first step. We will continue to push policies that empower domestic energy producers and get the United States back to the position of energy independence we held before Biden took office. I’m proud my amendment passed the House and was included in the final bill. My amendment protects American energy producers from the tax hikes included in the Biden Administration’s budget proposal. We must do everything in our power to restore American energy security!”
Congressman Josh Brecheen:
“On the day that President Biden was sworn into office, the average price for a gallon of gas nationwide was $2.39. Today, the national average for a gallon of gas is $3.44. That is a 44% increase. Today, I was proud to vote in favor of H.R.1 which would increase our domestic energy production, reverse President Biden’s woke climate policies, and lower costs for American families. We must end President Biden’s war on American energy.”
