The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Lower Energy Costs Act on Thursday, a bill that would reform permitting processes, increase domestic energy production, and make other changes to U.S. energy policy.
The passage of the bill — which was cosponsored by U.S. Reps. Glenn Thompson (R-PA), John Joyce (R-PA), and Dan Meuser (R-PA) — drew praise from members of the Pennsylvania congressional delegation.
“The goal is this bill is simple: we will allow American energy companies to once again compete on a level playing field with their global competitors. This is especially important for natural gas companies in Pennsylvania, a state that produces 20 percent of all the natural gas in the United States each year. I believe that while we must take an all-of-the-above approach to energy in this country, we also cannot forget what’s below,” U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA).
Among its key provisions, H.R. 1 seeks to reform the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) permitting process to streamline federal reviews and limit the scope of environmental review to reasonably foreseeable and economically feasible impacts. It also would set deadlines for completion of NEPA reviews at one year for environmental assessments and two years for environmental impact statements.
“Last year, House Republicans made a commitment to the American people to pass legislation that would lower energy costs for families and small businesses,” Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA) said. “H.R. 1, The Lower Energy Costs Act delivers on this promise by implementing policies that allow us to unleash the energy resources that exist within our own borders, like the abundant natural gas in the Marcellus shale, and reduce our dependence on foreign nations who do not produce energy as cleanly as we do in Pennsylvania.”
The legislation would also repeal all restrictions on the import and export of natural gas and roll back the $6 billion methane tax. Also, it disapproves of President Joe Biden’s canceling of the Keystone XL pipeline and requires the Department of the Interior to resume lease sales on federal lands. In addition, it would prohibit banning hydraulic fracking and imposes a 120-day deadline for filing litigation on final agency actions concerning energy and mining projects.
“H.R. 1 will unleash American energy and counter the Biden administration’s rush-to-green agenda — creating jobs, strengthening national security, and lowering costs for our families. The Lower Energy Costs Act delivers on House Republicans’ Commitment to America to provide our nation with clean, affordable, and reliable energy. I am thrilled the House passed this critical legislation, and I urge the Senate to quickly follow suit,” U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), chief deputy whip, said.
The legislation passed the House with bipartisan support by a vote of 225-204. It now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration.