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Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) voted in support of H.R. 8, legislation to modernize U.S. energy infrastructure, protect the electric grid, and support our allies abroad.

“The reforms contained in this bill provide important updates to our energy laws,” said Congressman Guthrie. “The United States has become a global leader in energy production—the number one producer of oil and gas in the world—due to our technological innovation and exceptional workforce, but many of the laws that govern energy development were passed during times of energy scarcity in our country. The time has come to update these laws to reflect our new position as a major energy producer.”

H.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act, directs the Secretary of Energy to develop procedures for enhanced communication and coordination between state and local governments, federal agencies, and private entities in the event of an emergency related to the electric grid. The bill also streamlines permitting processes to eliminate duplicative studies that delay energy development, and it expedites approval of liquefied natural gas (LNG) export projects, an important step to support our allies abroad.

Earlier this week, Congressman Guthrie voted in favor of S.J. Res 23 and S.J. Res 24, Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions of disapproval that would nullify Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations targeting new and existing power plants. These new rules underpin President Obama’s War on Coal and effectively impose a cap-and-trade scheme by executive fiat when a similar scheme was soundly defeated in Congress.

“It is important for Congress to send another strong message to President Obama, reinforcing the fact that the American people oppose his War on Coal. The so-called Clean Power Plan will fundamentally shift energy markets in our country and cause a dramatic increase in consumer electric bills, to the tune of double-digit increases in 4 out of 5 states, including Kentucky. I voted against these regulations to protect jobs and consumers, and ultimately to protect the Kentucky economy,” added Congressman Guthrie.

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