INDUSTRY CALLS FOR ACTION ON ENERGY

Abstract

ABROAD COALITION OF INdustrial consumers of natural gas launched a campaign last week to win congressional approval of legislation that would open new areas of offshore waters to energy exploration and development. At a Washington, D.C., news conference, representatives of the recently formed Consumer Alliance for Energy Security said rapidly rising domestic gas prices are damaging the U.S. industrial base, citing a loss of more than 3.1 million manufacturing jobs since the price surge began in 2000. America is suffering an energy crisis, which is hurting our economy and threatening our jobs, said John M. Engler, president of the National Association of Manufacturers. With our manufacturing base and our communities at risk, it's time to reduce costs and expand supplies. Every single American is feeling the pain of high energy prices, added American Chemistry Council President and CEO Jack N. Gerard. After the warmest winter on record, he said, consumers' heating bills are ...