Less than one year ago, U.S. citizens were facing gas prices of more than $2.25
per gallon. Much of the country was dealing with energy shortages or potential blackouts.
Although news headlines about an energy crisis have gone away, underlying problems
confronting the United States and its economy remain. To avoid volatile prices in
the future, NRCA supports President Bush's plan to implement a balanced energy policy
to promote conservation, increase production and protect the environment. Now more
than ever, our nation realizes the energy debate is inextricably tied to its national
security.
Last August, the House of Representatives passed the Securing America's Future Energy
(SAFE) Act of 2001 (HR 4) by a wide bipartisan vote. The act is a comprehensive
national energy policy that embodies the president's proposals. Regrettably, the
Senate leadership chose to ignore the legislation, opting to keep the proposal off
the Senate floor. Six months later, Senator Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.)
promised to bring the legislation to the floor during the week of Feb. 11. NRCA's
message is clear - the Senate must pass the president's comprehensive energy legislation.
The need for a comprehensive policy to generate a greater supply and promote conservation
is crucial. NRCA supports HR 4 for the following reasons:
- The roofing industry depends on oil to manufacture most roofing materials and is
sensitive to price fluctuations caused by supply shortages. President Bush's proposals
to promote oil exploration will advance the United States' goal of securing a reliable
energy supply.
- NRCA advocates the president's proposals to promote energy efficiency. The roofing
industry can be instrumental in conservation with energy-efficient roofing materials.
HR 4 contains several provisions designed to advance the goal of energy efficiency,
including language that directs the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection
Agency to extend the federal Energy Star® label to "cool roofing."
- The legislation provides tax incentives for commercial and residential property
owners to make energy-efficient improvements to new and existing properties.
The House of Representatives acted decisively when it passed the president's proposed
energy policies in HR 4. Now is the time for the Senate to do the same. Write to
your Senators today, and urge them to pass President Bush's balanced, comprehensive
energy policy.
To call your elected officials, contact the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121
and provide the name of your senator(s) to be connected. Please direct any questions
to NRCA's Washington, D.C., office at (800) 338-5765 or e-mail Craig Brightup, NRCA's
vice president of government relations, at
cbrightup@nrca.net.