Benishek Supports Bill to Grow Domestic Energy Production

WASHINGTON, DC:  Dr. Dan Benishek (MI-01) today supported the “Domestic Energy and Jobs Act” (H.R. 4480), a bill aimed at lowering gas prices by requiring more domestic energy production when the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) is tapped, streamlining the permitting process for energy production and allowing for more development of energy resources on federal lands. 

“High gas prices are hurting Northern Michigan families and small businesses.  Every dollar spent at the gas pump is one that a family is not able to save for their kids’ future.  Every dollar our small businesses spend on gas is one less dollar that they can use to expand their business.  To me, it only makes sense to responsibly utilize the natural resources we have here at home,” said Dr. Benishek, a surgeon from Iron River. 

The “Domestic Energy and Jobs Act” has several components aimed at encouraging responsible new energy production.  The legislation will require any use of the SPR to be offset by an equal increase in domestic energy production, while maintaining the ability to respond to a national emergency.  This bill will also support more energy development on federal lands by having the Department of the Interior establish goals for federal land energy production to meet the needs of American consumers.  Additionally, the legislation streamlines the process for energy permitting from the federal government to encourage timely approval of new energy development projects.  

“The federal government should be encouraging responsible energy production and decreasing our dependency on foreign oil, not standing in the way of it.  This legislation doesn’t impact our parks or wilderness areas, it simply allows for reasonable development of the many natural resources found in this country,” said Dr. Benishek, who serves on the House Committee on Natural Resources. 

The legislation passed the House of Representatives with a bipartisan vote of 248-163.