(Washington, D.C.)  Congresswoman Cathy McMorris (WA-05) announced today that The National Energy Supply Diversification and Disruption Prevention Act was passed today by the Resources Committee. The legislation will increase, diversify, and facilitate the production and delivery of reliable and affordable energy supplies to American consumers.

“The Energy Act of 2005 was a good first step in solving our energy problem, but more needs to be done,” said McMorris. “Our farmers in Eastern Washington are experiencing tough economic times and I continue to hear how high energy costs are hurting their bottom line and their ability to compete. It is clear that action needs to be taken and relief must be provided. We cannot afford to have our energy system be so vulnerable and this bill helps address the problem by focusing on diversification of our fuel and energy production.”

McMorris spoke at the hearing on the option of increasing hydro-power generation on the Columbia-Snake River System by stopping the release of water through spillways where the Governor of the State has declared an emergency drought situation. By allowing water to be spilled, the generation of electricity is being forgone. Allowing this increase of hydro-power generation would greatly benefit the Pacific Northwest, which has been dramatically affected by the rising cost of energy.

“This issue is very important to the Pacific Northwest. The ruling of Judge Redden that requires agencies to provide for summer spills over dams in the Columbia-Snake River systems will cost jobs, stifle our economy, and send a $67 million bill to rate payers throughout the Northwest. With energy costs already so high, we must be looking at every option available for relief.”

The National Energy Supply Diversification and Disruption Prevention Act encourages diversity of fuels to meet U.S. energy needs by facilitating the production of not only oil and natural gas, but also renewable and alternative energy resources such as geothermal and biomass from federal lands. It also seeks to encourage responsible domestic investment and the creation of jobs, coastal states self-determination and just compensation, as well as the assurance of domestic energy and economic security for the future.