CEN Applauds Senate Passage of Bipartisan Infrastructure Package

August 10, 2021 – LANSING, Mich. – The Conservative Energy Network (CEN), a coalition of 21 state-based conservative clean energy organizations, applauds the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) in the United States Senate. The bipartisan bill, which earned the support of 19 Republican members, promotes a clean energy future by cutting red tape and providing money for clean technology research and development – particularly for hydrogen and carbon capture.

CEN joins the United States Chamber of Commerce and many other organizations in recognizing that H.R. 3684 would make significant, smart investments in a stronger, cleaner, more secure infrastructure. Many of the provisions outlined in this bill will allow the United States to maintain and strengthen its position as a global energy power and become a leader in the clean energy transition.

“America’s energy infrastructure is aging, plain and simple. We need the measured, targeted investments found in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to ensure America isn’t left vulnerable to foreign adversaries,” said Mark Pischea, CEN president and CEO. “Thanks to the leadership of U.S. Senator Rob Portman, this bipartisan package sticks to the basic definition of infrastructure – buildings, roads, and power supplies needed for the operation of society. H.R. 3684 is a smart investment in our nation’s future that will both boost our economy and lead to a cleaner future.”

Not only will modernizing America’s infrastructure create jobs and spur local economic investment, it will also create a cleaner, more efficient future without government-imposed mandates like the Green New Deal. CEN polling has found that 86% of voters support increasing the development of America’s clean energy infrastructure.

“Poll after poll shows that when it comes to energy, voters like the lofty ideals of the left, but only if grounded by conservative policy principles from the right,” concluded Pischea. “H.R. 3684 represents that approach, and CEN looks forward to working with state and local conservative leaders to implement policy in the days to come.”

For more information on CEN’s infrastructure platform please visit www.conservativeenergynetwork.org/infrastructure.