AGA Supports House Action to Safeguard Affordable Energy for Customers and Communities  

Washington, DC, – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act with bipartisan support. Included in the legislation are amendments that would prevent the U.S. Department of Energy from implementing regulations that would outlaw natural gas stoves on the market today and mandates the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study how banning natural gas appliances will affect the rates and charges for electricity. 

“AGA strongly supports policies that help ensure customers can continue to access safe, reliable and affordable energy,” said Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the American Gas Association. “Provisions in the Lower Energy Costs Act (H.R. 1.) that will streamline the permitting process for energy projects and expedite judicial review to prevent critical energy projects from being delayed indefinitely by frivolous lawsuits, are critical components to helping our nation meet its energy and environment goals. We applaud the bipartisan support on these reasonable and effective amendments that will take important steps to safeguard affordable and reliable energy for consumers and communities.” 

“Any efforts to ban highly efficient natural gas stoves should raise alarm bells for the 187 million Americans who depend on this essential fuel every day,” continued Harbert. “Natural gas utilities have reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by 69% since 1990, and help homeowners reduce their carbon emissions 1.2% every year. The use of natural gas has reduced power sector emissions to 40-year lows and, as an essential back up fuel, has enabled the growth of renewables. We will continue to work with regulators and policymakers to help ensure they have sound data to work with as they approach any issues related to natural gas.” 

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AGA Media Contact:    

Adam Kay   
akay@aga.org   
202-824-7263