Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Vice Chairman of the House Rules Committee, released the following statement after voting in support of H.R. 1 – the Lower Energy Costs Act.

“Today, House Republicans once again upheld their commitment to provide solutions for Americans by passing H.R. 1,” said Burgess. “Since entering the oval office, President Biden used the power of the pen to weaken America’s energy independence by stifling production in the name of climate change. For over two years Americans have watched the deterioration of our robust energy sector resulting in the rise of higher energy costs. To meet America’s energy demands, provide jobs, and reduce environmental impacts, we must build more a comprehensive energy infrastructure, not less.

“I am grateful that legislation I have been fighting for was included. The Promoting Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Pipelines Act will provide Federal and State agency coordination in the approval of certain authorizations for natural gas pipeline projects under the Natural Gas Act. It establishes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as the lead agency to coordinate the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 review process and the pipeline projects under the Natural Gas Act. By streamlining the authorizations for pipeline projects, we can establish accountability and transparency while lowering energy costs for Americans.

“If the President is truly committed to ‘made in America,’ as he stated during his State of the Union address, he would urge the Senate to quickly send this necessary legislation to his desk."