The American Trucking Associations announced its approval of the U.S. House passage (225-201) of the American-Made Energy and Good Jobs Act (H.R. 5429), which encourages environmentally sensitive exploration and development of oil and natural gas reserves in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
In a letter sent Thursday, May 25 to all House members urging a yes vote on H.R. 5429, ATA President and CEO Bill Graves said, “With fuel prices at historic highs, an adequate supply of affordable fuel to move the nation’s goods is of paramount importance to us. Diesel fuel will cost our industry $98 billion in 2006 — $10.6 billion more than last year and more than double the amount spent just four years ago.”
ATA views access to reserves in ANWR and other offshore exploration as critical components of a viable long-term comprehensive national energy plan. As a part of this strategy, ATA also has called for the expansion of U.S. refining capacity and the establishment of a single national diesel fuel standard.
“Consequently”, said Graves, “the American trucking industry, which transports nearly 70 percent of all freight tonnage in the U.S., strongly supports efforts that will increase national energy self-sufficiency and reduce vulnerability to future energy disruptions.”
