Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives continues its focus of getting the economy back on track while reducing energy costs for American consumers. Three bi-partisan energy bills, the Protecting States' Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act (H.R. 2728), Federal Lands Jobs and Energy Security Act (H.R. 1965) and the Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act (H.R. 1900), were adopted this week and aim to protect American jobs by encouraging energy production and limiting duplicative federal regulations.

           “The United States now has its lowest labor force participation rate since 1978,” said U.S. Representative Scott Perry (PA-4). “It's time for the federal government to be a partner in creating private sector jobs and growing the economy, not a hindrance.”

            Here in Pennsylvania the economic growth we've experienced due to the natural gas boom has been unprecedented. $1.8 billion in tax revenue has been generated by responsible shale gas development, revenue that has led to infrastructure investment throughout the state, even in communities far away from the shale gas production. The natural gas industry has invested an additional $750 million in road and infrastructure improvements throughout Pennsylvania.  In 2013, shale development supported 232,000 Pennsylvania jobs, with an average job paying $83,305 a year. These are the types of good paying American jobs we need to encourage rather than stop, said Congressman Perry.

            The legislation the House passed this week unleashes America's energy potential by: streamlining the federal energy permitting process; reducing government hurdles that block and delay development of our onshore oil and natural gas and renewable energy resources; and opening up proven reserves to increased energy production.  These bills are an important step forward to increase much-needed energy production in America that will create jobs, grow the economy and make energy more affordable for hardworking American families.

             Passage of these energy bills continues efforts in the U.S. House to lay the groundwork for a stronger economy and increased opportunities for all Americans. Legislation already passed by the House this year would: reform and modernize federal workforce training programs and help millions of unemployed Americans get back to work; lift barriers to clean renewable energy; give working families more flexibility; increase oversight of expensive federal regulations; and strengthen America's water infrastructure network to compete in an increasingly competitive global economy.

             Residents of the 4th District are welcome to contact Congressman Perry and his staff at any of his offices or via Perry.House.Gov, where they can sign up for e-mail updates and for his Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages.

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