Three "very important" energy bills were approved this week that will benefit Eastern and Southeastern Ohio, U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson told the National Federation of Independent Business group Friday afternoon.
The Marietta Republican found a receptive audience of area business owners during the luncheon meeting at Froehlich's Classic Corner Restaurant.
According to Johnson, the first law that was passed this week will cut future red tape on the Keystone XL pipeline project.
"We have a very good, strong relationship with Canada and a good and getting better relationship with Mexico to our south. We need to make that pipeline happen. We have also passed legislation that will open up the exploration for oil on federal lands in the United States. We need to be able to go after those resources because the price of gas rises on every ruffle of a feather in the Middle East," explained Johnson.
"We also passed legislation dealing with with liquid natural gas exportation. Energy companies have to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in order to get a permit from the energy department. This legislation will streamline the permit process," continued Johnson.
Johnson said he is supportive of a "build better communities" legislation that would require 20 percent of oil and gas revenue go back to local communities if the oil and gas is developed on federal lands."
"Health care is still a big topic for businesses in America, and it should be. I recently saw a study that said there has been a 49 percent increase in health care costs under the new federal health care law. Eastern Ohio has not seen that increase yet except in the more populated counties of Jefferson, Belmont and Columbiana, where there has been a 39 percent increase in health care costs. That is an increase of more than $100 a month and that doesn't include the bills. The new health care law is a very real concern in Eastern Ohio," said Johnson.
He also said the Congress is working on tax reform at the federal level, "but it is not an easy nut to crack."
"I believe when you have that much of a complex tax code we should start over and build a tax code that will let the American people keep more of what they earn," declared Johnson.
He also cited the Environmental Protection Agency plans to crack down on carbon emissions in the power plant industry.
"Anyone who doesn't believe a war on coal isn't a reality isn't looking at reality. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, more than 700,000 jobs are associated with the coal industry. You are talking about hundreds of thousands of jobs that will be impacted by the EPA rules on coal-fired plants. And, 3,200 coal mining jobs along the Ohio River will be affected," stressed Johnson.
"We all want cleaner air and water, but we also must have economic resources while we achieve that goal. I am very concerned about the federal government's approach to our coal industry. I have seen a report that said during our recent cold winter we came very close to rolling brownouts and blackouts. Fossil fuels are a low priority for our government. But we will be fighting these issues in the House of Representatives. The voice of the people will force the EPA to stand down," stated Johnson.
Johnson was supported by Roger Geiger, the vice president and executive director of the National Federation of Independent Business in Ohio, who urged the local business owners to support the Republican legislator for re-election.
Geiger also asked the business owners at the meeting to support the Kasich Administration and House Bill 5 now pending in the Ohio Senate.
"Ohio has more than 600 taxing districts in the state. This bill will bring conformity to tax laws in Ohio. Unfortunately mayors and city council members see this as a threat to their home rule," remarked Geiger.
