Congressmen Dan Boren (D-OK) and Tim Murphy (R-PA) have united to start the Congressional Natural Gas Caucus, a bipartisan effort to promote awareness of an abundant, low emission energy source. By increasing and expanding the many uses of environmentally-friendly natural gas, America can move toward greater domestic energy independence. Reps. Boren and Murphy have begun recruiting other members of Congress and discussing ideas with natural gas experts. Currently the caucus boasts 40 bi-partisan members, many of whom are co-sponsors of the NAT GAS Act (H.R. 1835/S. 1408).
“Oklahomans have long known the benefits of natural gas as a domestically produced, cleaner energy source. We have a long and proud legacy of contributing to our nation’s energy supply. However, recent studies have shown that natural gas is also an abundant domestic fuel that will help us reduce our dependence on foreign energy supplies. A growing number of states across the nation are beginning to focus on newly discovered deposits that will help bring much needed jobs to local communities and revenue production to state economies. I am honored to join Congressman Murphy and several other colleagues to form the Natural Gas Caucus in the U.S. House,” Rep. Boren said about the caucus.
“To grow our economy, and reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy we can use natural gas to heat our homes, fuel our cars, and light our offices. But, natural gas is not just a flame that heats the kettle on your stove – it is used in chemical production, manufacturing, and transportation. And the possibilities of natural gas continue to grow,” Rep. Murphy said.
The Congressional Natural Gas Caucus is a group of members of Congress dedicated to championing the use of clean, plentiful, domestic natural gas. They are committed to informing and educating Members of Congress, and the American people about the clean-burning domestic fuel. By promoting the use of natural gas, America will benefit from cleaner modes of transportation and energy generation, creating a cleaner environment and millions of new American jobs. The Caucus will be focused on discovering environmentally-friendly ways to produce natural gas and explore the ways natural gas can help meet the country’s energy needs while leading us toward an independent energy future.
At the official launch event, several members of the Natural Gas Caucus heard from leading energy experts, including energy pioneer T. Boone Pickens; Ray Walker, Vice President, Marcellus Shale Development, Range Resources; Bruce H. Vincent, President & Director, Swift Energy Company & Incoming Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA); Ronald W. Jibson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Questar Gas; Representative Chris Benge, Speaker, Oklahoma House of Representatives; and Dr. Robert Watson, Professor, Pennsylvania State University.
