Ernst Supports Bipartisan Comprehensive Energy Reform Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) today released the following statement after voting in support of the bipartisan Energy Policy Modernization Act (S.2012), a comprehensive energy reform bill:

“This bipartisan legislation works to match America’s rapid energy growth and advancements with the much needed improvements to our outdated energy laws, regulations, and programs.

“Without adding to the deficit or increasing taxes, the Energy Policy Modernization Act works to: streamline the natural gas export permitting process; advance certain energy efficiency programs; improve energy storage and transmission; modernize the management of federal buildings to eliminate potentially duplicative and wasteful programs; increase government accountability and oversight; and require greater stakeholder engagement on how energy rules and regulations are developed.

“In the face of growing cybersecurity threats, this bipartisan legislation also makes critical improvements to our nation’s electric grid which are necessary to protect the system from cyber-related attacks in emergency situations.

“Additionally, the Energy Policy Modernization Act helps outline and increase awareness about federal conservation and incentive programs available to interested landowners in order to conserve our land for future generations.

“These bipartisan reforms will not only promote more American energy production, but empower our businesses to create jobs, maintain global competitiveness, and save money for consumers in Iowa and nationwide.” 

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