Energy costs have increasingly become a concern for consumers.  The devastation of Hurricane Katrina only amplified the concern for rising gas prices for the Gulf region, including Alabama.

As your representative in Congress, I continue to look for ways to ease the energy costs that we currently face at the pump, and in our home heating bills.

* Decrease America's dependence on foreign oil:  It is my belief that the increase of domestic production and energy conservation is in our best economic and national security interest.  These issues were addressed in H.R. 6, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which became law in August 2005, with my support.  I believe this bill was a necessary step towards addressing our long-term national energy needs by encouraging domestic oil and gas production, energy conservation, and the development of alternative fuels.  I have also consistently supported legislation that opens the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) for oil production.  It is my belief that this energy production can be increased with limited environmental disturbances.
                 
* Ease oil and gas costs:  Over time, the Energy Policy Act is intended to lower gas prices and decrease our dependence on foreign oil, as well as create incentives for the development of more efficient and cleaner alternative energy sources.  I have also urged Energy Secretary Bodman to look into high energy costs and offer solutions for consumers who need relief from the rising prices in all forms of energy.  I have also supported legislation designed to generate more offshore drilling revenues for Alabama, and other Gulf Coast states.     

* Support for LIHEAP:  The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program assists low-income and elderly pay their heating and cooling bills.  I have been dedicated to seeing this federal program maintain adequate funding, especially as natural gas prices reached record levels this winter.

* Encourage the development of alternative energy sources:  We must continue to expand our use of alternative and renewable fuels.  My support of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 was in part due to the creation of incentives for the development of more efficient and cleaner alternative energy sources.  The Energy Bill offers federal tax credits and rebates to consumers and businesses for the purchase of fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles, and energy efficient products and appliances.




2006 Energy Press Releases from Representative Bud Cramer:

Cramer Congratulates Howard Thrailkill on being Sworn-In to Serve on the TVA Board
(March 31, 2006)

Cramer Applauds Howard Thrailkill Joining TVA Board
(March 3, 2006)

Cramer Applauds Senate Committee's Approval of Howard Thrailkill to TVA Board
(February 15, 2006)




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