Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Congressional Western Caucus formally endorsed the House Republican energy package, H.R. 1, which reverses the energy crisis caused by the Biden Administration’s failed, anti-American energy policies.

“Time and time again, the Biden Administration has hampered American energy production while simultaneously begging our adversaries to increase their resources,” said Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04). “The Western Caucus has voted to endorse H.R. 1 because it increases domestic energy production, streamlines and modernizes our outdated permitting process, and boosts the processing of critical minerals with American jobs. We stand united in pushing back on this administration's anti-energy agenda by passing much-needed legislation to restore American energy independence.”

“Nearly two years ago, House Republicans set out to improve the lives of the American people by reducing the costs of food and fuel, and making it easier to build in America,” said Speaker Kevin McCarthy (CA-20). “After engaging with stakeholders across the country, we developed the Lower Energy Costs Act. This bill will increase production of American energy and natural resources, lowering prices at the pump and making our nation less reliant on Russia and China. And it will cut back on red tape that makes it hard to invest and build critical infrastructure in America, streamlining construction for everything from pipelines to transmission to water projects. As this legislation continues to gain momentum, I am pleased to have the endorsement of Chairman Newhouse and the Western Caucus. They are uniquely suited to represent the needs of rural America, and are champions in fighting to deliver much-needed permitting reform to grow communities across the country.”

“For the last two years, President Biden and his extremist friends in Washington have waged a war on American energy, and hard-working families across the country are paying the price. Gas and utility costs have skyrocketed to record highs, with the average American paying over 40 percent more for gas at the pump since President Biden took office. Voters gave Republicans the majority in Congress to stop this radical anti-American energy agenda, and to take action that will lower prices, and House Republicans listened. I am proud to introduce H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, to cut red tape and increase energy production here at home so we can lower energy costs and stop our dependence on hostile foreign countries for our energy and minerals. With the introduction of the Lower Energy Costs Act, we will show the country how to end the war on American energy, become energy independent again, and lower costs for hard-working families who are struggling under the weight of President Biden’s radical agenda,” said Majority Leader Steve Scalise (LA-01). “I want to thank Chairman Dan Newhouse and all the members of the Congressional Western Caucus for their endorsement of the Lower Energy Costs Act today, and I look forward to its passage.”

"After years of inflationary spending policies from Joe Biden and the Democrats, House Republicans are delivering on our promise to address the record-breaking prices Americans have been forced to deal with under one-party Democrat rule,” said House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (MN-06). “Tackling inflation starts with an all-of-the-above energy policy, and that’s exactly what this bill is going to address.”

“House Republicans are upholding our Commitment to America and ending Joe Biden’s war on American energy through H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act,” said Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (NY-21). “Joe Biden made his priorities clear on his first day in office, when he launched an unprecedented war on American energy and caused prices to skyrocket. But I am working to provide a critical check on his reckless actions by unleashing American energy dominance to reverse the historic gas and home heating prices hurting hardworking Americans.”

“The Western Caucus's endorsement of the Lower Energy Costs Act is further evidence of how this landmark legislation will benefit Americans across the country, no matter their ZIP code,” said House Committee on Natural Resources Chair and Western Caucus Vice Chair Bruce Westerman (AR-04). “This bill will not only combat the energy crisis created by Biden’s failing policies, but it will also help restore American energy independence, provide direly needed NEPA reform across all economic sectors, strengthen our national security, grow our economy and put America back in the driver’s seat of global energy production. We’re also ensuring our foreign adversaries no longer dominate the hardrock minerals market, including critical minerals, and instead focus on allowing more manufacturing of emerging technologies and other applications right here at home. As Republican leaders continue to reform broken policies and rework unnecessary regulations, Americans can rest easy knowing they’ll be able to put gas in their tanks and keep the lights on again.”

“From the gas station to the grocery store, President Biden’s war on energy is making life unaffordable for the hardworking people of this country and forcing us to be dangerously reliant on supply chains controlled by the Chinese Communist Party,” said House Committee on Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05). “We must reverse course. H.R. 1 boosts energy production, lifts regulatory burdens for the construction of more energy infrastructure, cuts China out of our critical materials supply chains, and lowers costs across the board. All of this will ensure we build a better and more secure future in America.”

“H.R. 1 is our top House Republican priority for a reason. It will unleash the full potential of American energy and mineral resources so that we can mine and produce in America. My bill, the Permitting for Mining Needs Act, is included to address permitting for domestic mining in America,” said Western Caucus Vice Chair Pete Stauber (MN-08). “I’m glad that the Congressional Western Caucus endorsed this legislation to fix the onerous permitting process so we can get shovels in the ground, create jobs, secure our supply chains, and provide Americans with affordable and reliable energy.”

“This bill is a win-win-win. H.R. 1 will address inflation issues and lower energy costs for all Americans — providing more affordable gasoline and utility bills,” said Western Caucus Vice Chair Garret Graves (LA-06). “The legislation will also decrease our dependence on foreign adversaries for our energy needs. The permitting reform component will expedite infrastructure projects for communities across our country. I am proud to support this legislation – which will provide solutions to many of our country’s problems – with my colleagues.”

Background:

• Click here for an overview of the bill. 
• Click here for a section-by-section summary of the bill. 
• Click here for a summary of the Energy and Commerce Committee components of the bill.
• Click here for a summary of the Natural Resources Committee components of the bill.
• Click here for a summary of the Transportation and Infrastructure components of the bill.