Government policies: NAM sides with Republicans on energy plan
By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff -- Manufacturing Business Technology, 5/12/2008 12:25:00 PM
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has praised an energy plan offered by Republican Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky while criticizing a proposal from Senator Harry Reid, a Democrat from Nevada.
Sen. McConnell’s plan, introduced May 1 as an amendment to a flood insurance bill the Senate is considering, includes actions that have long divided Democrat and Republican lawmakers and activists, such as exploring for oil on the nation’s Outer Continental Shelf and in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
"Manufacturing is the most energy intensive sector of the economy,” NAM President and CEO John Engler said in announcing the group’s support for McConnell’s plan. "The energy plan in Sen. McConnell's amendment will help to diversify our fuel, lower the cost of energy, create jobs, and increase America's energy security. It's an important step toward the comprehensive domestic energy policy that America needs for the long-term health of manufacturing and the economy."
By contrast, Engler said a bill introduced last week by Sen. Reid 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," said Engler, a former Republican governor from Michigan.
"Manufacturers welcome Sen. McConnell's amendment because it 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," Engler said, adding that NAM appreciates any attention Congress gives the energy crisis.
“NAM will continue to work with members of Congress to advance practical solutions to America's critical energy needs," Engler concluded.
