Pennsylvania’s historic strengths in energy and manufacturing rely in part on a federal system of laws and regulation that promote innovation and individual energy choices. Too often, policymakers in Washington respond to the debate on energy and sustainability with proposals that either mandate or ban particular energy resources.
Several bills up for consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives this week would ban exploration and production of natural resources on certain federal lands and offshore regions — areas which have long seen energy extraction take place safely and without a negative impact to tourism, the environment or the local quality of life.
On behalf of the membership of the state’s largest business advocacy organization, we encourage Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation to oppose House Resolutions 205, 1941 and 1146, as these bills, which do not have bipartisan support, would increase costs to businesses and consumers while unnecessarily inhibiting economic growth and our nation’s economy. Instead, we encourage their support for legislation that bolsters America’s historic leadership in innovation and manufacturing.
Gene Barr
Harrisburg
The writer is president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.