Grumet: Bipartisan Senate Energy Bill an Important Step Toward America's Energy Future

Washington, D.C.– Bipartisan Policy Center President Jason Grumet issued the following statement on the introduction of The Energy and Natural Resources Act of 2017.

“Over the last decade, American ingenuity and innovation have dramatically transformed our energy landscape. Today, our energy supply is increasingly diverse, secure, and abundant, creating a host of significant economic and security benefits for Americans. Maintaining this position of strength will require foresight and leadership. The Bipartisan Policy Center commends Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), for introducing The Energy and Natural Resources Act of 2017, which makes important strides towards securing a prosperous energy future for the nation.

“This bill leverages the strength of American ingenuity to chart a path that embraces technological progress to create a new foundation for U.S. economic growth. Importantly, the bill supports the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy (ARPA-E), which has demonstrated remarkable progress towards asserting America’s competitive advantages in creating the next generation of energy technologies.

Sens. Murkowski and Cantwell should be commended for their unyielding commitment to the democratic process. 

“This legislation builds on previous efforts by Sens. Murkowski and Cantwell, which were forged through a determined, deliberative and bipartisan process. The Energy Committee held numerous hearings and the ultimate legislation incorporated provisions from more than 80 senators. In April 2016, the Energy Policy Modernization Act, which included reauthorization of ARPA-E, passed with 85 senators supporting the first major energy legislation in a decade.

“Sens. Murkowski and Cantwell should be commended for their unyielding commitment to the democratic process and for promoting the best interests of our economy, environment and national security.”