Congressman Gregory Meeks Votes in Favor of New Energy Bill

(WASHINGTON, DC)–Today, Congressman Gregory Meeks voted for H.R. 6899, the Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act of 2008. The bill provides lower energy costs for Americans, invests in clean, renewable energy resources, expands domestic energy supply and promotes greater energy efficiency and conservation.

Congressman Meeks, along with his colleagues, strongly believe this bill will help to bring about a solution for all consumers and not just those who benefit from the profits of Big Oil companies.
“Americans have experienced significant pain at the pump and for energy for their homes. Our nation has badly needed a comprehensive energy policy that is focused on both new, alternative fuels and expands domestic exploration, while providing economic relief to consumers,” said the Congressman.

This bill intends to help expand our nation’s domestic energy supply by allowing oil and gas drilling between 50 and 100 miles from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts if the adjacent coastal states enact laws allowing it. Under the provisions of the bill drilling is not permitted in the eastern Gulf of Mexico off the Florida coast and also requires the Interior Department to conduct lease sales in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska every year instead of every two years. In addition, the bill also prohibits the exportation of Alaskan oil and requires the federal government to construct a natural gas pipeline that would stretch from Alaska's North Slope to the lower 48 states.

“I am pleased of the proposed outcomes by this bill. One of the most frequent concerns voiced by citizens has been the dramatic rise in gas prices. Expanding our domestic energy supply is the most effective way to reduce costs of oil and improve fuel efficiency. I believe that this bill will benefit all consumers and be a boost to our economy”, said Meeks.
Now serving in his sixth full-term, Meeks was elected to the House on February 3, 1998. Representing New York's Sixth Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, Meeks' district covers all towns of Southeast Queens, Far Rockaway and Howard Beach. He is a member of the House Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Meeks is a Member of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), New Democrats Caucus and the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC). He serves as the Co-chair of the Malaysia Caucus, Services Caucus, Dialogue Caucus and the Middle East Economic Partnership Caucus.