Wheeling News-Register
WHEELING - Rep. Shelley Moore Capito has joined a Republican initiative to "heat up" efforts toward a national energy policy.
Capito, R-W.Va., recently stood with Republican leaders to announce the creation of "HEAT," the House Energy Action Team.
HEAT members plan to push the American Energy Initiative - the GOP's version of a national energy policy - which has three goals, according to Capito. She said HEAT hopes to stop government policies driving up gas prices; to expand American energy production to lower costs and create more jobs; and to promote an "all of the above" strategy to increase use of all forms of American energy.
"HEAT will advocate for national energy policies that create jobs and make it less expensive for West Virginians to turn on the lights and fill up their cars," Capito said. "We want the American people to know that we're working on their behalf to pass smart, money-saving energy policies. The obstacle to passing strong, job-creating energy policies is an administration that is set on picking winners and loser in the energy industry and cutting off vital sources of American energy."
Capito is also co-founder of the Congressional Coal Caucus and a member of the Natural Gas Caucus.
Presently there are 29 members of HEAT, including Capito and Republican Rep. Bill Johnson of Ohio. The offices of Republicans David McKinley of West Virginia and Bob Gibbs of Ohio did not immediately return messages Monday asking if they intended to join HEAT.
HEAT "will clearly demonstrate that House Republicans are on the side of the small businesses and families who are increasingly harmed by record high energy prices," Capito said.
"I am committed to fighting for a diverse, all-of-the-above energy plan to keep prices low and people at work," she added. "West Virginians should not have to choose whether to buy gas or groceries when we have the resources and tools to increase our own energy supplies right here in the United States. Our state is blessed to have abundant domestic resources like coal and natural gas, which power the nation. I will continue to raise awareness about the vital role these resources play in our energy security."