releases: http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-house-votes-to-modernize-americas-energy-infrastructure
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
This data as json
| url | title | date | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-house-votes-to-modernize-americas-energy-infrastructure | Cramer: House Votes to Modernize America's Energy Infrastructure | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | ND | Kevin Cramer | C001096 | cramer.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C.Congressman Kevin Cramer announced today the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act. The bill updates and modernizes outdated energy policies to reflect the era of energy abundance America now enjoys. In addition, the bill increases the resiliency of the countrys energy infrastructure. North Dakota has been at the epicenter of Americas energy renaissance and our nations laws and energy priorities need to change to reflect this changed environment, said Cramer As a former Public Service Commissioner, I saw firsthand the importance of modernizing government regulations to keep pace with the rapidly changing energy sector to capitalize on the opportunities provided by our newfound role as the worlds largest producer of energy. The bill includes an amendment sponsored by Cramer which gives utilities the option under the approval of the Secretary of the Interior or Secretary of Agriculture to selectively manage vegetation within 150 feet of their right-of-way near power poles. This will reduce direct impacts to electric infrastructure and the amount of fuel for possible forest fires. View the debate on this amendment from the House floor by clicking on the image below. A reliable supply of electricity is important to public safety and economic vitality of a community, said Cramer. One of the most significant reasons for outages involves trees hitting power lines. My amendment ensures utilities are able to conduct the necessary right-of-way maintenance to ensure the reliability of electricity to homes and business. Included in the legislation is language to repeal the nations current ban on the export of crude oil. The ban was put in place as a response to the oil embargo resulting from the Yom Kippur War in 1973. In the wake of the embargo, which resulted in dramatic increases in oil prices and massive gasoline shortages in the U.S., the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA) was enacted to address shortages. It is very important to remember the national security impact the crude oil export ban has had on our nation, said Cramer. For too long the worlds energy markets have been controlled by despots and dictators.It is time to use the peaceful tools of energy development to replace the weapons of war in Europe and the Middle East. In October, Cramer gave an extended speech on the House floor during Special Orders on the importance of repealing the current crude oil export ban. View the speech by clicking on the image below. Summary ofH.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act Modernizing Energy InfrastructureThe United States has undergone an energy renaissance driven by newly discovered resources, technological innovation and a skilled workforce. The U.S. is now the worlds leading energy producer, but its pipelines and electric grid havent kept pace with the rapid transition. The private sector is eager to invest in new projects to put people to work, but government red tape is slowing down the siting and permitting process. Likewise, the electricity sector is constantly evolving in the light of new challenges, such as changing markets, costly environmental regulations, and increasing grid security threats. H.R. 8 focuses on the transmission, distribution, and storage of energy to ensure the nation has the necessary infrastructure to meet todays modern energy challenges. Protecting the Electricity System Ensuring the electric grid is secure, resilient, and reliable is another top priority of H.R. 8. Changing market dynamics, a barrage of regulations, and external threats have created new energy security and reliability challenges. Disruptions in the delivery of electricity have far-reaching economic and public health impacts. The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that power outages cost Americans at least $150 billion annually. The legislation seeks to meet todays energy reliability and security challenges through enhanced emergency preparedness and utilization of advanced technologies to address threats to the electricity system, including physical and cyber-attacks, electromagnetic pulse, geomagnetic disturbances, severe weather, and seismic events. Strengthening Energy Security and DiplomacyAs the worlds leading producer of petroleum and natural gas, the U.S. is a world energy superpower. With this position comes new opportunities and diplomatic responsibilities. Americas energy abundance should be used to strengthen energy security while also supporting allies in their quest for affordable and reliable energy. H.R. 8 takes important steps by strengthening partnerships with allies and reforming the approval process for energy exports. Improving Energy Efficiency and Government Accountability New technologies have the potential to save money and reduce energy use, yet government roadblocks stand in the way. H.R. 8 promotes simple and affordable methods to address energy demand and lower electric bills. It also seeks to reduce government waste and prioritize budget dollars in existing programs, as well as provide important regulatory relief for U.S. manufacturers from burdensome federal efficiency mandates. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |