Energy

Two interesting energy trends concern the electricity markets. Electricity providers are relying more on natural gas to meet electricity needs for households and businesses. As we transition to more natural gas, we’ll need pipelines to deliver this fuel to markets. While most states are ramping up efforts to meet demand, some are falling behind, incurring cost increases.

It’s common to hear lawmakers talk about “rebuilding America.” And for any rebuilding, you need one thing: energy. That’s why we’re devoting this edition to discussing the energy policy solutions – from regulations to infrastructure to security – that can link energy production to jobs and prosperity.

For too long, the promises of modernized energy infrastructure were held back by the Obama Administration’s Washington-centric regulatory and environmental agenda. This Congress, things will be different.

America needs an energy policy that promotes affordable energy, secures our energy independence and creates jobs. That is why I’ve introduced the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act.

Smart, common sense and forward-looking regulations are critical to advancing the U.S. energy renaissance. When it comes to reducing methane emissions, the oil and natural gas industry is part of the solution.

It has now been a full decade since Congress last updated U.S. energy policy. We are long overdue for modern policies that foster innovation, reduce regulatory barriers and promote a true all-of-the-above strategy.

The energy landscape is changing. Policy, technology and consumer expectations are converging. The Large Public Power Council represents the 26 largest consumer-owned electric utilities in the nation, serving over 30 million consumers. We’re directly accountable to them through locally elected governing bodies.

Our nation’s energy infrastructure is in desperate need of modernization, but that takes a significant investment. Congress should work to bring our electricity grids into the 21^st century and to facilitate the repair of old, leaky gas pipelines.

Protecting the electric power grid is a serious priority and shared responsibility between industry and government. Government has the resources to identify and mitigate threats, while industry owns most of our critical infrastructure and maintains the operational expertise.

For too long, politicians from both parties have myopically focused on the trees in the energy equation, rather than the forest. They’ve debated production of alternative energy versus oil and gas – or the environment versus energy production. These tired arguments have failed America’s families.

Refiners, retailers and renewable fuel groups continue to mount pressure on the EPA to reject petitions to change the compliance structure under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

By building and expanding our natural gas infrastructure, we can deliver affordable, reliable and clean energy to the increasing number of Americans who want it and, in doing so, create jobs and support economic growth.

Growing wind energy revitalizes America’s rural areas and Rust Belt manufacturing centers. With more than 100,000 jobs today across every state, the industry is just getting started. New analysis from Navigant Consulting projects the industry could drive nearly a quarter million wind-related jobs by 2020, with $85 billion in economic activity over the next four years.

Since the inception of the Renewable Fuel Standard, refiners that make fuel have been obligated to fulfill the law’s mandates. It’s a system that has effectively integrated renewable fuels into the marketplace while keeping prices low.

While campaigning, Trump made his energy plans clear – promising a drill, baby, drill approach to slashing fossil fuel regulation. Where does that leave renewables?

Hill Energy staffers are planning to use the Congressional Review Act to nix rules and regulations finalized by the administration after May 2016. Their task now: figuring where the CRA applies, and what they will have to revisit legislatively.