DeGette and McKinley Introduce National Energy Policy Legislation

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO) today joined Congressman David McKinley (R-WV) in introducing bipartisan legislation that would create a commission to develop a comprehensive energy policy for the United States.

"It's still possible to get important things done in Washington, even in the midst of partisan rancor and gridlock," DeGette said. "Everyone should agree that energy development is key to our country's economic strength: It drives innovation and job creation. And most experts agree that to tackle climate change, we need to embrace new approaches. This bill will help unify efforts to shape the future of national and global energy policy."

"For too long we have lacked a coherent energy policy, which has negatively impacted our economy and made the U.S. less secure," McKinley said. "The creation of this commission will allow leaders from various field including labor organizations, utilities, energy researchers, environmental advocates, utilities, and economists to develop a comprehensive energy policy. It will seek to develop a national energy plan that creates jobs, grows our economy, and puts us on the path to energy independence, which strengthens our national security. We often disagree on a lot of issues in Congress, but it is important to reach across the aisle to find common ground."

Background on Biennial Energy Commission on Energy Policy Act of 2017

Reps. McKinley and DeGette have introduced legislation to create the Energy Commission before in 2013 (H.R. 3565) and 2016 (H.R. 4929).

The purposes of the Commission:

• Establish a national bipartisan commission on energy policy composed of 15 members from a range of backgrounds appointed by Congress.

• To examine and evaluate all current laws, regulations and policies of the Federal government pertaining to energy, energy efficiency, sources of energy (including fossil fuels, wind, water and nuclear), and power sources.

• Develop recommendations for future laws, regulations and policy to assist America achieve energy independence.

• Report to the President and Congress on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations for corrective measures that can be taken to create a comprehensive national energy policy for the United States.