The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) on March 30 applauded the US House of Representatives for voting to adopt the Lower Energy Costs Act (H.R. 1). According to the bill’s sponsors, H.R. 1 will increase domestic energy production, reform the permitting process for all industries, streamline energy infrastructure and exports, and boost the production and processing of critical minerals.
“ARA strongly supports H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, which is necessary legislation that will reform the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and expedite mining, energy, and infrastructure projects to help lower America’s energy costs and boost our economy,” said Richard Gupton, ARA Senior Vice President of Public Policy & Counsel.
H.R. 1 was passed on March 30 almost entirely along party lines on a vote of 225 to 204. ARA is among more than 100 stakeholders to endorse the legislation, but the bill has little chance of even being considered in the Democratic-controlled Senate, the New York Times reported.
The Executive Office of the President also issued a statement on March 27, saying the administration “strongly opposes this bill” and that it would be vetoed by President Biden if presented in its current form.