NAM calls for bipartisan action to ease energy pain.
Press Release Summary:
As oil prices hit record $135 per barrel, NAM called for Congressional action to increase domestic production of energy resources and dramatically expand America's energy supplies to bring down costs for consumers, workers, and job providers. Manufacturing job-providers use roughly one-third of America's energy supplies and are being hit hard as price of energy to run plants, manufacture products, and make or transport essential raw materials continues to rise.
Original Press Release:
NAM Calls for Bipartisan Action to Ease Energy Pain for Manufacturers and Consumers
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 22, 2008 - As oil prices hit a record $135 a barrel today, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) called for Congressional action to increase domestic production of energy resources and dramatically expand America's energy supplies to bring down costs for consumers, workers and job providers.
"With Memorial Day approaching, the pain at the pump is disrupting vacation plans for America's hard-working manufacturing employees and hurting the competitiveness of their employers," said NAM President John Engler. "Manufacturing job-providers use roughly one-third of America's energy supplies and are being hit hard as the price of energy to run plants, manufacture products and make or transport essential raw materials like steel and petroleum continues to rise. Soaring energy prices are leaving fewer dollars for employers to invest in research and development, training and job creation," he said. "Manufacturing workers and their families need help," he added.
Engler said he is hopeful that Members of Congress will join together to support the energy plan announced today by Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) and Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) or similar legislation to support America's energy needs.
"It's time for Members of Congress to rise above party politics and support a bipartisan, comprehensive domestic energy strategy to meet America's energy needs. If we want to get a handle on energy prices and create jobs in this country, we must dramatically expand and diversify America's domestic energy supplies. This is the only sure way to stop the relentless run-up in energy prices that is hitting consumers, workers and employers at the gas pump, in the grocery store and on the shop floor," he concluded.
CONTACTS:
LAURA NARVAIZ (202) 637-3104
KEITH MCCOY (202) 637-3175
