Washington, D.C. (September 18, 2014) – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2, the American Energy Solutions for Lower Costs and More American Jobs Act with a bipartisan vote of 226-191. The bill includes a variety of proposals that will increase U.S. energy production, reduce the lengthy permitting process for energy infrastructure projects, and prevent burdensome and job killing regulations.

Congressional Western Caucus Co-Chairs Steve Pearce (NM-02) and Cynthia Lummis (WY-At Large) released the following statements in response to the passage of the bill:

"It is vital that we utilize America’s vast reserve of energy resources at a time of global chaos and economic stagnation," said Chairman Pearce. "Gasoline prices have been stable in our country despite turmoil in the Middle East due to proven technologies that allow for increased oil production. H.R. 2 will work to stabilize and decrease American gasoline prices by increasing domestic energy production. The bill also expedites the approval process of critical infrastructure projects that are essential in ensuring that middle class families have access to inexpensive and reliable electricity for their homes. The bill also fights to get Americans working again by protecting and creating well-paying American energy jobs."

"On private lands the American energy industry continues to boom, but President Obama’s policies are keeping public lands under lock and key and stifling the high-paying jobs American families could be benefitting from while working on these lands," said Chairman Lummis. "The bills included in this package would break that lock and free up production and development on federal lands throughout the west, offering an economic boost at a time when we could use it most. And if we free up these lands for responsible energy development then the vast untapped resources we are sitting on could bring down energy prices for all Americans. I call on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to bring these bills up for consideration and give the Senate a chance work for the American people."