House Introduces American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act
Not to be outdone by President Obama, who recently called for a new round of the popular TIGER program, House Republicans have introduced the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act. The bill, as proposed, would authorize $260 billion in funding over the next five years to repair the federal highway system. In addition, the bill would delegate more authority to individual states by eliminating mandates that states spend highway funding on non-highway activities and by allowing states to establish their own transportation priorities.
The new legislation would also remove government barriers to domestic energy production. It proposes eliminating the current ban on new drilling in offshore areas, establishes new guidelines for oil shale resources and technology, and opens the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to energy exploration. Democrats argue, however, that such provisions put the environment at risk by giving a “gift to the oil industry.”
We will continue to monitor the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act as the bill works it way through both houses.
