Energy Alliance Urges Congressional Action to End U.S. Energy Crisis

Seeks Access to Abundant U.S. Energy Supply

WASHINGTON — A broad alliance of consumer, industrial and institutional energy users today called on Congress to act on pending proposals to provide greater access to the abundant U.S. supply of energy on the Outer Continental Shelf (OSC) as a way to address the current U.S. energy crisis.

Representatives of the Consumer Alliance for Energy Security said rapidly rising domestic energy prices are having an adverse impact on consumers and the U.S. industrial base, citing a loss of more than 3.1 million manufacturing jobs since 2000 when energy prices began increasing dramatically and the competitiveness gap for U.S. companies began significantly widening.

“America is suffering an energy crisis which is hurting our economy and threatening our jobs,” said John Engler, President & CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers. “In order to compete and succeed in the global marketplace, our country needs a plentiful, diverse and affordable energy supply. With our manufacturing base and our communities at risk, it’s time to reduce costs and expand supplies.”

A national opinion survey by the Consumer Alliance for Energy Security confirmed that the American public understands the severity of the U.S. energy crisis. The survey found that nearly 90% of the respondents believe that rising energy costs are having a significant impact on their family’s monthly budget. In addition, nearly 60% of those polled support accessing the abundant supply of domestic energy available on the Outer Continental Shelf.

PRNewswire