CEA Applauds Kansas House Passage of Bill Protecting Consumers’ Right to Buy Vehicles of Their Choice

Driving a classic car

TOPEKA  – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), the leading energy and environmental advocate for families and businesses, issued the following statement after the Kansas House of Representatives passed House Bill 2783, which preserves Kansans’ right to buy the vehicle of their choosing.

“We applaud the Kansas House of Representatives for their strong, bipartisan support of consumer choice in the automotive marketplace,” CEA Midwest Executive Director Chris Ventura said.

“CEA has long been a strong advocate for allowing families and businesses to have a full array of choices in their use of energy. Choices allow for more affordable energy that helps ensure the lights stay on when we need them the most. It is our hope that this latest action sends a strong message to the U.S. EPA. Consumers should be able to choose vehicles that meet their mobility needs – regardless of fuel type.”

“With America’s auto manufacturers restructuring their investments based on lackluster demand for EVs, it is necessary for the federal government to not limit vehicle choice. Instead of mandating winners and losers, Washington should be supporting the continued research and development of advanced liquid fuels, batteries and hydrogen fuel cells so consumers will be able to choose the vehicles that meet their cost expectations and mobility needs. We look forward to this important legislation advancing in the Kansas Senate.”

CEA supports consumers’ right to have the vehicle they want and can afford. CEA’s recent “Freedom to Fuel: Consumer Choice in the Automotive Marketplace” report examines how some states are forcing through vehicle mandates without fully considering several important questions that will influence consumer acceptance, such as:

  1. Does the electric power grid have enough power to meet increased demand from EV sales mandates?
  2. How can average Americans afford EVs that cost nearly $15,000 more than traditional vehicles?
  3. Where will replacement parts for EVs come from other than China?

The full report is available here.

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, we are committed to leading the nation’s dialogue around energy, its critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for the families and businesses that depend on them. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs.

Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org

Energy Explorer: CNG vs. LNG

LNG tanker

In the area of alternative fuels, natural gas is one of the most affordable and reliable fuel technologies. Since the introduction of hydraulic fracturing, natural gas has become much more abundant, and considerably cheaper, making it increasingly one of the top fuel options in the United States and around the world. As a fuel, natural gas can be stored, transported and used in two different forms. The first is known as compressed natural gas (CNG,) and the second is liquefied natural gas (LNG.) Here’s what you need to know about these two forms of natural gas, the differences between them and how they can be used as alternatives to traditional gasoline.

What Differentiates CNG from LNG?

Compressed natural gas, or CNG, is a fuel type mostly used for buses and trucks. It is “compressed” to approximately 3,000 psi. The reason you see CNG fuel used more with fleet vehicles like buses and trucks is because, by the gallon, CNG has less energy than gasoline and requires a larger fuel tank. CNG is also relatively simple to make, requiring only high-pressure conditions to manufacture. Because of the simplistic nature of the process, CNG has been used at various pressures in vehicles since the 1930s.

Liquefied natural gas, or LNG, by contrast, is a means for transporting natural gas via modes like pipelines, ships, tankers. Like CNG, LNG is compressed, but unlike CNG it is cooled to an extremely low to convert it from its normal gaseous state into a liquid state. During the transportation of LNG, it uses using auto-refrigeration to keep it cool to ensure it doesn’t revert to its gaseous state. This state allows it to be a fraction of its volume. Once it arrives at its destination, it can then be turned from a liquid, back into a gas.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Since its early uses and development over time, CNG has the advantage of being a proven, mature technology.  As such, CNG is known as a viable alternative fuel with relatively little new technological development required. While it can be cheaper than gasoline and helps to eliminate emissions, there hasn’t been a significant adoption by American drivers. That means these cars are harder to find, which also means there isn’t enough adequate infrastructure to support them.

LNG, on the other hand, also presents difficulties as an onboard fuel source since it must be kept cold and requires advanced refrigeration technology that is both difficult to equip vehicles with, not to mention, expensive. However, transporting LNG as a fuel source to markets around the world is a great way to provide different countries with access a fuel source they might not have had otherwise. Through infrastructure development and upgraded modes of transportation, LNG is helping to electrify developing nations and reduce emissions worldwide.

Uses in the Modern Energy Marketplace

Although they may seem to be in direct competition with one another, CNG and LNG can each fill different needs within the alternative fuel market. As nations look to various ways to reduce emissions and use new technologies, CNG is an adequate alternative fuel to gasoline.

LNG, on the other hand, plays a crucial role in providing fuels here at home and around the world. With the advent of hydraulic fracturing in the 1940s and new technology that has increased production in states across the country, LNG continues to supply the fuel needed for industrial manufacturing, transportation, and electricity generation. The latter is important as it is something power plants use as a fuel source so people can turn on their lights and heat and cool their homes. Countries all around the world use natural gas as an energy source, and as developing nations continue to grow, they are looking to gain access to LNG to help power their communities while decreasing their emissions.

As energy demand continues to rise, it’s likely that natural gas will become a much more common source of fuel. It will be a vital source of reliable power to help communities meet new energy mandates while simultaneously helping to reduce emissions. Because natural gas is a fuel that can be used in many different ways, it is likely you’ll hear more about CNG which can be used to power vehicles and LNG which helps transport natural gas to not only power homes, but factories and farms that power our world and contribute to the global economy.

 

Louisiana Executive Orders Supporting Energy Production Put Families, Small Businesses First

New Orleans Louisiana City Corner

Permitting directive sets national example of right approach to energy

HOUSTON  – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), the leading energy and environmental advocate for families and businesses, issued the following statement after Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry issued two executive orders designed to make energy production and permitting less burdensome:

“In a world where anti-business activists make it their mission to vilify America’s world-leading energy production and environmental standards, the Louisiana executive orders are a return to the right path of keeping energy affordable, reliable and abundant for Americans,” CEA Vice President Kaitlin Hammons said.

“CEA applauds Gov. Landry for setting a good example of energy policies that work for people by sending the right signals for investment into energy and making permitting less burdensome, but no less environmentally sound,” Hammons said. “This is the right path to help American families and small businesses prosper from our nation’s natural resources, rather than suffer from the high prices that result from restricting their production, as we have seen for several years now.”

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, we are committed to leading the nation’s dialogue around energy, its critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for the families and businesses that depend on them. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs.

Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org

LNG Export Permit Review Is Latest Blow Against American Energy Security, CEA President Says

U.S. Capitol building at night in Washington, D.C.

LNG Permit Pause Will Slow Production, Raise Domestic Prices

Restricting U.S. LNG Will Lead to Higher Global Emissions

HOUSTON – The Biden Administration’s announcement of a pause on LNG export permit approvals to non-Free Trade Agreement nations is yet another damaging blow to domestic energy production, following in the footsteps of the host of restrictions imposed on Gulf of Mexico energy development, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) President David Holt said.

“We’ve seen this movie before with the Administration’s all-out efforts to stop Gulf of Mexico offshore leasing that included defying Congress to hamper America’s ability to produce its own energy. Timing is everything, and there is clearly a calculation that the impacts of this decision and the offshore leasing restrictions will not land on Americans before the election.”

“But the global impact will be felt immediately, as America’s ability to export a cleaner fuel to displace higher-emitting ones is curtailed. Worse, this signals that America’s support for allies, at a time of global turmoil and risk, is subject to the whims of social media influencers and anti-business activists who have a mission to demonize natural gas and oil without offering meaningful proposals to meet our energy needs.”

“When Russia invaded Ukraine and weaponized its natural gas exports by shutting out Europe, U.S. industry stepped up and delivered record levels of LNG to our allies. That was American commerce in action, serving national security, diplomatic and economic purposes for which the Administration took credit.”

“Despite those record exports and claims that domestic natural gas prices would shoot up, natural gas stayed largely flat is now trending below the 10-year average price. However, families and small businesses will eventually pay the bill for this short-sighted, irresponsible decision when it slows production, causing prices and global emissions to rise.”

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, we are committed to leading the nation’s dialogue around energy, its critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for the families and businesses that depend on them. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs.

Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org

Leslie Liedtke Griffin Joins CEA To Lead Affiliate Member Relations, Fundraising

Consumer Energy Alliance

HOUSTONConsumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is proud to announce the addition of Leslie Liedtke Griffin as Executive Vice President of Affiliate Member Relations and Foundation Coordination.

Griffin brings a wealth of experience to her new role, which is to elevate CEA’s growth and build on its reputation as the country’s leading energy and environmental advocate for families and businesses. Griffin’s work will include leading all of CEA member communications and events, membership recruiting and marketing, and external and charitable fundraising for CEA, as well as for its sister organization, the Consumer Energy Education Foundation (CEEF).

“We are extremely excited to have Leslie join our organization at such as critical time in the national discussion around affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible energy. Her leadership will undoubtedly raise CEA’s effective energy and environmental advocacy for American families to the next level,” CEA President David Holt said. “This strategic hiring is a recognition by our Board that CEA’s growth trajectory is so strong that it needs a leader of Leslie’s caliber to build on our existing successes.”

CEA is entering its 18th year with more than 350 member organizations and a half-million individual supporters, and more consumer advocacy initiatives than at any time since its founding.

“I’m thrilled to join Consumer Energy Alliance and partner with David and the rest of the CEA Board, as well as the entire CEA team who have already done so much to advocate for energy consumers across the country,” Griffin said. “Supporting American families and businesses is truly a worthy cause and one that I’m honored to be a part of.”

Prior to joining the CEA team, Griffin served as Relationship Manager at Gulf Capital Bank, helping to build out the first de novo bank in Texas in more than a decade. She currently serves on the board at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center and has participated in a variety of fundraising efforts at Texas Children’s Hospital and Small Steps Nurturing Center.

“At this moment in CEA’s history, we need Leslie’s unique blend of relationship management, communications and external fundraising more than ever before,” Holt said. “As some states and the federal government continue to consider policies that will restrict energy choices for families and businesses, CEA will continue to be at the forefront of advocating on behalf consumers. Leslie will be an amazing asset in that effort.”

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, we are committed to leading the nation’s dialogue around energy, its critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for the families and businesses that depend on them. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs.

Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org

Restricting Energy in Gulf of Mexico Hurts Americans Now and In Future, CEA President Testifies In Congress

US Capitol Building

• Holt Urges Congress to Take Bipartisan Action to Support Viable Gulf Lease Sales to Protect Consumers
• U.S. Emissions Performance is Proof that Energy, Environmental Goals Are Compatible

WASHINGTON – Current and proposed restrictions on Gulf of Mexico energy development are emblematic of failing energy policies that are driving higher prices, hurting consumers, increasing blackout risks and delivering negligible environmental progress, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) President David Holt testified before Congress today.

Holt’s testimony came at the invitation of the House Natural Resource Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources at a hearing entitled “Examining the Biden Administration’s Limits on Access to the OCS: Impacts on Consumers, States, and Operators.”

“Restrictive energy policies like those imposed and proposed for Gulf of Mexico oil and natural gas production are not advancing our environmental goals in a meaningful way. They are, however, hurting our economy, the wallets of families all across the nation, as well as increasing the probability of greater blackouts,” Holt said in written testimony submitted in conjunction with his appearance before the Committee.

“This Administration seemed to cheer after issuing the fewest number of oil and gas lease sales ever,” Holt said, referring to the Administration’s impeding of legally required lease sales and a two-year delay in issuing a Five-Year Plan for leasing. “This year, 2024, will be the first year in which an offshore oil and gas lease sale has not taken place since 1965.

Since energy impacts everyone regardless of political party, Holt urged Congress to take bipartisan legislative action to ensure immediate and long-term commercially viable lease sales in the Gulf to help guarantee affordable and reliable energy for future generations.

“The question is how do we increase the availability of affordable, reliable energy while improving our environment? The answer is simple. America must keep leading the way, in the Gulf and elsewhere,” he said, referring to nation’s two decades of the world’s largest emission reductions and other major environmental successes.

Holt’s testimony highlighted other real-world examples of how policies limiting energy options are leading to higher energy bills, lower electric grid reliability and contributing to still-strong inflation that affects everything from food to everyday goods Americans need. Those examples stretch coast-to-coast, from New England and New York to California and Washington State.

“All this shows that restricting energy is starting to carry a high potential for political blowback, related directly to the actual cost increases these kinds of policies impose on voters, families and businesses,” Holt said. “We’re all still feeling the effects of inflation, and not a single voter is fooled when inflation reports exclude the energy and food prices they pay every day.”

“CEA thanks the House Natural Resources Committee and Subcommittee Chairman Stauber for their leadership in steering the national dialogue back toward the reality that economic, national and energy security are inextricably linked,” Holt said. “The well-being of American families, farmers and small businesses relies on all three, which will benefit from a more balanced approach toward our energy and environment goals.”

Holt’s written testimony is available here.

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, we are committed to leading the nation’s dialogue around energy, its critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for the families and businesses that depend on them. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs.

Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org

Consumer Energy Alliance Announces New Board Member Additions 

Consumer Energy Alliance

January, 8, 2024, HOUSTON Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) welcomed two noteworthy energy experts to its growing board of directors, CEA President David Holt announced today.

One of CEA’s new directors is Michelle Michot Foss, Ph.D., a fellow in energy, minerals and materials at Rice University’s Baker Institute.

She brings a wealth of energy, minerals and supply chain research expertise to CEA, as well as over 45 years of experience working within the oil, gas and mining industries. Over the past four decades, Michot Foss developed and directed research on energy value chain economics and commercial frameworks to support global investment while serving in several positions at The University of Texas at Austin (UT) and the University of Houston. Her career research highlights include reviewing oil, gas and minerals markets for local, national and international government bodies, including the Texas Comptroller, U.S. Energy Information Agency, U.S. Department of Energy, World Bank, Japan’s External Trade Organization and other institutions.  She is an oft-quoted voice on energy matters in the media.

“Since our founding in 2005, CEA has benefited from Michelle’s energy expertise and policy counsel,” Holt said. “She uniquely understands how energy markets globally affect American consumers. Michelle’s experience developing policies and conducting energy research brings a critical perspective to the CEA board, and we look forward to utilizing her expertise to advance the interests of energy consumers.”

“After working closely with David since CEA was founded in 2005, I am thrilled to more officially help guide the organization over the next several years. We need organizations like CEA to build consumer and customer awareness on energy policy tradeoffs that can constrain energy supply and increase costs. CEA’s unique focus on consumer impacts is critical.  American families and businesses need all of the help they can get to better understand and deal with energy price risks, and CEA is a great voice to lead that mission,’ said Michot Foss.

CEA also welcomed new Board Member, Chett Chiasson, Executive Director of the Greater Lafourche Port Commission. Chett has spent over 18 years with the Port and also serves on the Louisiana Governor’s Advisory Commission for Coastal Activities, the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Finance Corporation, and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s Renewable Energy Task Force.

Chiasson is on the Executive Board of Restore or Retreat, a regional non-profit coastal restoration advocacy group, as well as the Board of Directors of the American Association of Port Authorities (Vice Chair), the Board of Directors of the Gulf Ports Association (Vice President), a member of the Ports Association of Louisiana, National Ocean Industries Association, and Business Network for Offshore Wind.

“With Port Fourchon being one of the most important ports in America, and the only Louisiana port directly on the Gulf of Mexico, it is an absolute privilege to have Chett join CEA’s Board of Directors,” Holt said. “Chett knows firsthand how important energy is to American consumers’ daily lives and how we all live, work and raise our families. Being a proud steward of Louisiana’s critical coastal habitats, Chett also knows how energy development and conservation policies can and must go hand-in-hand. We look forward to using his vast experience in Louisiana to help CEA advocate for expanded access to responsible energy production and continuously improving environmental standards – as a means to grow our economy, lower energy prices and improve energy security and reliability.”

“I have long appreciated CEA’s message and mission. CEA’s unique focus on the energy supply chain is what has drawn me to the organization. I look forward to expanding CEA’s reach to U.S. ports and other critical infrastructure so that all American families and businesses can fully benefit. I am honored to be a part of this critical mission to ensure that all Americans enjoy the opportunity to have affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible energy,” said Chiasson.

CEA’s board members also include:

  • Chrissy Borskey, CEA Chairwoman and Executive Director, Global Government Affairs & Policy, GE Renewable Energy
  • Chad Eaton, CEA Vice Chair and Vice President of Government Affairs, Nucor Corporation
  • Brett Vassey, President & CEO, Virginia Manufacturers Association
  • Wayne Zemke, Marketing Support Manager, Caterpillar Global Petroleum
  • Glen Kedzie, Energy & Environmental Strategies
  • John Eichberger, Executive Director, Transportation Energy Institute
  • Julio Fuentes, President, Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  • David Holt, President, Consumer Energy Alliance
  • Brian Welch, CEA Treasurer

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, we are committed to leading the nation’s dialogue around energy, its critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for the families and businesses that depend on them. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs.

Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org

EPA Granting Louisiana Class VI Primacy is a Win for Families, Business and the Environment

Louisiana Southern Oak Alley Plantation Architecture with Tree Canopy

BATON ROUGEConsumer Energy Alliance, the leading energy and environmental advocate for families and businesses, issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted Louisiana’s request to assume primary permitting and enforcement authority for UIC Class VI injection wells under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

“CEA is thrilled to learn that the EPA has granted Louisiana the ability to permit Class VI wells in Louisiana. Granting the state the authority to deal with all aspects of permitting for carbon capture is the right thing for both the environment and business. It should also help expedite Class VI injection applications in Louisiana as well as across the nation,” CEA Vice President Katie Hammons said.

“With the approval of Louisiana’s application, the state – a leading advocate for carbon capture – is able to more safely and expeditiously remove carbon emissions from the atmosphere while continuing to allow the industries that provide us with affordable, reliable and sustainable energy to thrive. CEA is glad to see that Louisiana is now the third state to be granted authority to permit its own Class VI wells.”

In June 2023, CEA representatives urged the EPA to approve Louisiana’s applications during primacy hearings in Baton Rouge. For the past year, CEA has also educated Louisiana stakeholders about the benefits of carbon capture and storage.

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, we are committed to leading the nation’s dialogue around energy, its critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for the families and businesses that depend on them. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs.

Contact:
Rachel Edwards
(713) 355-9714
redwards@consumerenergyalliance.org

CEA Applauds Ohio Legislature and Gov. DeWine for Protecting Vehicle Choice for Consumers with First of its Kind Legislation

Driving a classic car

COLUMBUS – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), the leading energy and environmental advocate for families and businesses, issued the following statement after the Governor DeWine signed House Bill 201, legislation that preserves Ohioans’ right to buy the vehicle of their choosing and supports affordable, reliable energy for Ohioans.

“We applaud Governor Mike DeWine for making Ohio the first state in the nation to protect consumers’ right to choose the car or truck that meets their needs – not the misguided policies of California politicians that are directly responsible for the announced layoffs of over 1,200 Ohio auto workers,” CEA Midwest Executive Director Chris Ventura said.

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, we are committed to leading the nation’s dialogue around energy, its critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for the families and businesses that depend on them. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs.

Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org

CEA Applauds Legislation Addressing Energy Poverty

U.S. Capitol building at night in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.CConsumer Energy Alliance, the leading energy and environmental advocate for families and businesses, issued the following statement after the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a hearing on H.R. 5482, the “Energy Poverty Prevention and Accountability Act,” which will ensure that current and future administrations, are being forthright with the American people about how poor energy policies will impact their energy and electricity bills.

“We applaud Congresswoman Hageman (R-WY) and the House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources for introducing this much-needed piece of legislation which will hopefully show American energy consumers the real reasons why they are paying increasingly more for their energy than ever before,” said Consumer Energy Alliance Vice President Kaitlin Hammons.

In the first year of the Biden Administration, American consumers spent nearly $1.3 trillion on energy costs, a 25% increase from 2020. In 2022, the monthly electric bill for American residential consumers increased 13%, from $121 to $137 a month. This was the largest single increase since 1984, when the data started being collected. Any increase in energy prices only hurts those who can least afford it.

The bill will, in part, commission government-wide studies that review laws and regulations which may have an impact on energy costs and affordability. The bill will also require the Comptroller General and Director of the Office of Management and Budget to identify communities at-risk of energy poverty, a term which means a condition in which individuals do not have access to affordable and reliable energy to maintain economic security. The report will then offer recommendations on how to reduce energy poverty in at-risk communities, and actions which an agency may take to reduce barriers to affordable and reliable energy.

“Policies that lead to increased energy prices inflict the most harm on those living on fixed incomes or in poverty. Energy poverty is real, and our political leaders often initiate policies that make a bad situation even worse,” Hammons said. “Further, high energy costs are one of the main factors in inflation, because making and delivering products cost more as energy prices go up; therefore the cost of groceries, clothing, lumber and everything else also goes up. American consumers have a right to know why their electricity prices and gasoline prices have been increasing in the last three years. This bill will hopefully hold accountable the elected officials that have been pushing an agenda that serves only to stymie American domestic energy production by limiting the amount of offshore oil and gas leases, cancelling much-needed pipeline infrastructure, and delaying the permitting of important clean energy development.”

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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, we are committed to leading the nation’s dialogue around energy, its critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for the families and businesses that depend on them. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs.

Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org