Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, released the following statement on the passage of H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act. 
 
“Lowering the cost of energy for American families has been one of my top priorities, and I’m pleased that with the new House Republican Majority, we’ve wasted no time in passing legislation to tackle this crisis. With today’s passage of H.R.1, we are a step closer to fulfilling our commitment and pushing back on the Biden Administration’s disastrous energy policies.
 
“This bill is the compilation of several bills that have been developed through the Committee process – including two of my committees. I worked closely with Chairman Westerman in the House Natural Resources Committee, and Chairman Graves in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on the development of the TAPP American Resources Act and with Chairman Graves on H.R. 1152 the Water Quality Certification and Energy Project Improvement Act of 2023.
 
“H.R. 1 embraces an ‘all of the above’ energy policy that will increase our energy supplies, while also cutting red tape on the federal permitting process to expedite key infrastructure projects. It was imperative to me to make sure nothing in this bill undermined the existing moratorium that protects Florida’s Eastern Gulf of Mexico from energy exploration or production. For decades, this area has been protected so as not to compromise vital military training areas or our world-renowned beaches. 
 
“Energy independence is also a national security issue. When President Biden began his crusade against American oil and gas production, his Administration began relying on adversaries like Iran and Venezuela for oil. The Lower Energy Costs Act would protect our national security by boosting U.S. production, ending our reliance on foreign oil.”