Congressman Cole Appointed to HEAT; Pushes Comprehensive Energy Plan

March 24, 2004

Washington, D.C. – To build upon the work of the Speaker's Natural Gas Task Force, Congressman Cole has been appointed to the House Energy Action Team (HEAT) by Majority Leader Tom DeLay.

"This task-force understands the importance of passing a comprehensive energy package this year. With the prices of gas and the cost of oil steadily increasing, we must do something to ensure affordable energy now and for years to come," Congressman Cole said.

The House has passed the Energy Policy Act of 2004 (HR 6), but the Senate has not considered the legislation yet.

"A comprehensive energy package will help reduce our growing dependence on unstable foreign oil supplies, create and retain jobs, improve our economy and creates incentives for energy exploration, while also promoting conservation, efficiency and necessary environmental regulations," Congressman Cole said.

"Energy is the lifeblood of our economy and it is very important that we send an energy bill to the President this year. I am pleased to be a part of this task-force and will continue to work with my colleagues to create policy initiatives that keep energy prices low and production in the United States," Congressman Tom Cole said.

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***Press Release from Majority Leader DeLay

House Energy Action Team Activated

HEAT to Promote Passage of Energy Bill

WASHINGTON - House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) today announced the members of the House Energy Action Team (HEAT) as Republicans pushed to get a comprehensive energy policy to the president's desk.

"HEAT is committed to providing a comprehensive energy policy that will improve America's energy stability and national security and create close to one million jobs. We can't afford to pass the buck or throw in the towel when people in this country may pay up to $3 for a gallon of gas this summer.

"If Senate Democrats refuse to provide the votes to secure America's energy, the House will simply turn up the HEAT," DeLay said.

HEAT assisted the House's efforts to pass a comprehensive energy package three times, each of which addressed America's serious energy shortage, unstable energy prices, and national security challenges.

DeLay announced that House Resources Committee Chairman Richard Pombo and Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton will serve as co-chairmen of the House Energy Action Team. Other Members of HEAT include:

Rep. Barbara Cubin (Wyo.)

Rep. Tom Cole (Okla.)

Rep. Eric Cantor (Va.)

Rep. Jim Gibbons (Nev.)

Rep. Butch Otter (Idaho)

Rep. Rick Renzi (Ariz.)

Rep. Tom Latham (Iowa)

Rep. John Peterson (Pa.)

Rep. John Shimkus (Ill.)

Rep. Henry Bonilla (Texas)

Rep. Bob Beauprez (Colo.)

Rep. Steven Pearce (N.M.)