Larson Joins T. Boone Pickens to Declare "Energy Independence Day"
FORIMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 9, 2009
CONTACT:Emily Barocas/ 202-225-7295
LARSON JOINS T. BOONE PICKENS TOCOMMEMORATE ANNIVERSARY OF PICKENS PLAN, DECLARE "ENERGY INDEPENDENCE DAY"
Washington D.C. - Congressman John B. Larson(CT-01), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, joined oil tycoon T. BoonePickens to declare July 8th as "Energy Independence Day" and markthe one-year anniversary of his launch of the Pickens Plan - a plan to reduceAmerica's dependence on foreign oil and encourage the development ofalternative energy sources like natural gas and wind. Praising Boone's effortsto build a new, clean energy economy, Chairman Larson said:
"Oneyear ago, T. Boone Pickens launched the Pickens Plan and recruited millions ofAmericans to join us in working toward real energy independence and a new,clean energy economy. Since that time, we elected a president who made endingour reliance on foreign oil a top priority and passed the groundbreakingAmerican Clean Energy and Security Act to create clean energy jobs and protectour national security interests.
ChairmanLarson is an original cosponsor of the New Alternative Transportation to GiveAmericans Solutions Act or NAT GAS Act heralded by Mr. Pickens. The legislationaims to reduce the nation's dependence on foreign energy sources while at thesame time lowering transportation fuel costs, greenhouse gas emissions andurban pollution from vehicles.
"Aslong as we are exporting our dollars in exchange for oil and shipping ournatural gas technology to other countries, our economy and our nationalsecurity are at the mercy of foreign nations," said Larson. "The NAT GAS Actleverages the buying power of the federal government to build demand fornatural gas vehicles that will grow our economy and create good, American jobs.I commend Mr. Pickens for his leadership on this issue and look forward toworking with him to pass this important bill."