NAM President comments on transportation and energy legislation.
Press Release Summary:
NAM's Jay Timmons urged House of Representatives members to support H.R. 7, the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012, noting provisions that expand domestic energy production. Citing job creation and access to affordable energy sources, Timmons told House members to "take a stand" for energy security and manufacturing workers. He said energy production should include onshore and offshore production of oil and natural gas and urged approval of Keystone XL pipeline.
Original Press Release:
Transportation and Energy Legislation Will Boost Manufacturing Jobs
Improved Infrastructure and Energy Investment Will Enhance Competitiveness
Washington, D.C. - National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President and CEO Jay Timmons issued this statement today urging members of the House of Representatives to support H.R. 7, the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012:
"Manufacturers use one-third of the energy consumed in the United States, and we support the provisions in this bill that significantly expand domestic energy production. This will create jobs and provide access to affordable sources of energy. Members of the House can take a stand this week for energy security and the 12 million manufacturing workers in America by voting for the energy portion of H.R. 7.
We also support an 'all-of-the-above' approach to energy production, which should include both onshore and offshore production of oil and natural gas in addition to the approval of the Keystone XL pipeline. Swift approval of Keystone XL is in the country's national interest and will immediately provide 20,000 construction and manufacturing jobs and 118,000 'spin-off' jobs.
Each day, manufacturers are faced with an out-of-date and inadequate infrastructure that hinders their ability to lead and create jobs. Manufacturers need an updated and improved transportation infrastructure in order to remain globally competitive.
We strongly urge the members of the House to support this legislation that provides for much-needed updates to and investments in our transportation infrastructure and will create jobs and enhance manufacturers' ability to compete. The Texas Transportation Institute calculates that road congestion costs Americans $115 billion annually. Relieving this congestion will improve energy consumption, limit supply chain disruptions and improve competitiveness.
Manufacturers want to continue to lead the economic recovery. It's time for Washington to provide manufacturers with the tools to compete, grow and create jobs. The NAM will continue to advocate for lawmakers and the Administration to adopt the pro-growth policies laid out in our blueprint to keep manufacturing competitive, A Manufacturing Renaissance: Four Goals for Economic Growth."
Please click here to read the NAM Key Vote letter on H.R. 7.
-NAM-
The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing has a presence in every single congressional district providing good, high-paying jobs. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.
