NAM urges immediate action on energy bill

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) today released a statement urging its members to tell senators to support the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Senate floor debate and votes on the bill are expected to begin today.

The statement said that the bill "represents the best opportunity in more than 20 years to pass a pro-growth energy bill out of the Senate. The time is now for you to strongly urge your senators to support this legislation. Please consider forwarding this message to all of your facilities and your employees and urge them to take action.

"As one of the millions of people who make things in America, Congress needs to hear your voice now. Tell your senator specifically how rising energy prices have negatively affected your business and add to the cost of doing business in America.

"Please tell your senators to support legislation that will expand opportunities to produce energy (coal, natural gas, oil, nuclear, renewables) in an environmentally sound manner and that will enhance voluntary energy efficiency and conservation efforts. Ask them to oppose any proposals or amendments that would place unnecessary and burdensome mandates on American industry and that would result in higher energy prices.

"The NAM will inform all senators that votes in support of the energy Policy Act of 2005—and against amendments that place excessive mandates on manufacturers—will be considered for designation as Key Manufacturing Votes."

The NAM statement included several links to help you communicate with your senators:

• Click here for NAM's Energy Legislation Tool Kit.
• Click here for talking points.
• Click here to e-mail your senators.
• Dial 202-224-3121 to speak with your senators' offices now.