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Manufacturers Favor McConnell Energy Plan

May 15, 2008

The National Association of Manufacturers welcomed the energy plan (S. 2958) offered May 7 by Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) as an amendment to the Flood Insurance Bill and expressed concerns about the bill offered by Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.).

"The energy plan in Senator McConnell's amendment will help to diversify our fuel, lower the cost of energy, create jobs, and increase America's energy security," said John Engler, association president and chief executive officer. "It's an important step toward the comprehensive domestic energy policy that America needs for the long-term health of manufacturing and the economy." Engler called the amendment "a sensible approach to America's critical energy needs." 

In contrast, the Reid plan, called the Consumer-First Energy Act of 2008, would impose onerous taxes, mandates, and regulations. "That's not the way to reduce energy prices and create more jobs. This bill will have the unintended consequences of fewer jobs and higher energy and food costs," Engler said.

The amendment would encourage more environmentally responsible domestic energy production on the Outer Continental Shelf and Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and accelerate the production of advanced energy technology and alternative resources, such as renewable fuel, according to Engler.

"Manufacturing is the most energy-intensive sector of the economy. U.S. manufacturers are disproportionately affected by energy price instability and consume roughly one-third of our nation's available supplies. Rising energy prices threaten the well-being of all Americans – consumers and businesses alike," he continued.