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Scalise Makes American Energy a Priority, Introduces the Lower Energy Costs Act

March 14, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Continuing the fight for affordable energy for Louisiana families and small businesses, today House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) introduced H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act.
 
For the last two years, President Biden and his extremist friends in Washington have waged a war on American energy, and hard-working families across the country are paying the price. Gas and utility costs have skyrocketed to record highs, with the average American paying over 40 percent more for gas at the pump since President Biden took office. Voters gave Republicans the majority in Congress to stop this radical anti-American energy agenda, and to take action that will lower prices, and House Republicans listened. I am proud to introduce today H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, to cut red tape and increase energy production here at home so we can lower energy costs and stop our dependence on hostile foreign countries for our energy and minerals. With today’s introduction of the Lower Energy Costs Act, we will show the country how to end the war on American energy, become energy independent again, and lower costs for hard-working families who are struggling under the weight of President Biden’s radical agenda.
 
“Importantly for Louisiana, this package includes my bill – the BREEZE Act – to increase the revenue our state receives from oil and gas exploration and production in the Gulf and create the framework to receive revenue from future offshore wind development. This will give Louisiana billions more to restore our coast and provide stronger flood protection for our communities,” said Majority Leader Scalise.
 
The Lower Energy Costs Act will boost all forms of energy production by cutting red-tape regulations, lowering prices across the board for American families.
 
The Lower Energy Costs Act restores American energy independence by:

  • Increasing domestic energy production, including in the Gulf of Mexico
  • Reforming the permitting process for all industries
  • Reversing anti-energy policies advanced by the Biden Administration
  • Streamlining energy infrastructure and exports
  • Boosting the production and processing of critical minerals

Language from the BREEZE Act is included in the Lower Energy Costs Act. In 2022, Leader Scalise introduced the BREEZE Act to increase the revenue sharing funds Louisiana receives from offshore energy and create a framework for revenue sharing for future offshore wind development. By raising the percentage of funds received from 37.5 percent to 50 percent, more funding would be available for Louisiana’s coastal restoration and hurricane protection projects. 
 
What Louisiana Leaders are saying: 
 
“The livelihoods of families and businesses in Southeast Louisiana depend on critical hurricane and flood protection projects funded by our state’s revenue sharing model. Increasing offshore energy production of all types in the Gulf of Mexico not only will provide more funding for coastal restoration efforts but also serves as a cornerstone to our economy maintaining and creating many good-paying jobs for local families. Importantly, this legislation also creates a lane for even more revenue sharing through offshore wind development as industries continue to diversify. I’m pleased to see legislation at both the federal and state level introduced to increase Louisiana’s revenue sharing funds and applaud Leader Scalise for spearheading this effort to protect the state we love,” said Louisiana State Representative and Executive Director of Restore or Retreat Joe Orgeron.
 
 “The Lower Energy Costs Act is a historic moment for Louisiana’s offshore energy exploration and production, which drives so much of our local economy and also funds critical coastal restoration and hurricane protection projects. It’s exciting to see the U.S. House once again put our national energy independence first and I’m grateful for the leadership of Majority Leader Steve Scalise for making Southeast Louisiana’s energy sector a national priority,” said Greater Lafourche Port Commission Executive Director Chett Chiasson.
 
“Louisiana's coastal wetlands provide the first line of defense against powerful storms, which is why we work to restore and preserve these vital areas. As we continue to face challenges with our vanishing coast, we commend Majority Leader Scalise for prioritizing funding to protect our communities by preserving our coast," said Pontchartrain Conservancy Executive Director Kristi Trail.
 
“The bayou region serves as a national hub for offshore oil, gas and marine service. Our more than 250 members recognize the economic benefits of offshore energy production for Louisiana and the vital coastal restoration and hurricane protection benefits that come with it. Our industry is pleased to see Congress focus on increasing energy production with the Lower Energy Costs Act and position our state to be a leader for the nation and the world on an all-of-the-above energy,” said South Central Industrial Association President Mitch Marmande.
 

Issues:Energy