H.R. 2539 Includes provisions to promote refinery construction, boost alternative energy and fuel development, open the 10-02 Area of ANWR to oil and gas exploration, and encourage nuclear power plant construction.  Rep. Thornberry with H.R. 2539 takes direct aim at tackling the American energy crisis and promoting the “all of the above” attitude taken by many in Congress to solving our domestic energy crisis.  The representative from Texas stated that current trends to limit certain energy production in an attempt to tackle the anthropogenic global warming view would directly lead to higher energy costs for consumers and restrictions on available transport.  Thornberry similarly states job cuts as a result of CO2 energy taxation proposed by current “cap & trade” legislation (see Energy and Security Act) making its way through Congress is not a desired benefit of trying to deal with global warming.  H.R. 2539s introduction is a direct result of his view.  As he states, it is “an alternative road”. 

Very similar to this years other bills dealing with ANWR production in Congress the thrust of H.R. 2539 is to take a more pragmatic approach to our national energy production levels.  Each different source of energy has its benefits and costs, socially, environmentally, and economically.  Each source of energy has a place at the solutions table not just some and not others.  This view is not echoed by bills and politicians promoting only alternative energy, such as wind solar and biomass, as the solution.  As the battle for CO2 cap and trade has taken place on Capitol Hill this last week by Representative Waxman in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, representatives not supporting Chairman Waxman have been quick to introduce alternatives. 

Read Representative Thornberry’s press release on H.R. 2539.

View the “No More Excuses Energy Act” on the Library of Congress website.