Energy
MEMPHIS – Today, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) voted for the Inflation Reduction Act, landmark legislation to lower costs for American families, combat the climate crisis, reduce the deficit and finally ask the largest corporations to pay their fair share. The bill has already passed the Senate and President Biden is expected to soon sign it into law.
Congressman Cohen made the following statement:
Throughout my career in public service, I have been a strong proponent of efforts to lower energy costs, invest in renewable energy resources, promote energy independence and create a stronger more secure economy. Increasing the nation's overall energy efficiency requires a multifaceted approach. The National Resources Defense Council reports that America's energy bill will increase by $420 billion annually within the next five years if we do nothing to reduce our dependence on oil and fossil fuels. That amounts to $3,500 annually for every family in the nation.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today went to the House floor to speak about the worldwide phenomena of price inflation and high gasoline prices, and made clear President Biden is not to blame for either one.
In his speech, he said in part:
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today voted for the Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act which will lower costs by preventing oil companies from raising prices in an excessive or exploitative way. Congressman Cohen noted that the top five oil companies have announced profits of $35 billion in the past three months.
The vote on passage was 217 to 207.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced that $1.7 billion from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) has been allocated to Tennessee in the six months since President Biden signed it into law. Congressmen Cohen and Jim Cooper (TN-05) were the only members of the Tennessee Congressional Delegation who voted for the measure.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division (MLGW) will receive $1,272,769 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act, for permanent utility restoration work after February's severe winter storms.
Congressman Cohen made the following statement:
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today wrote to Tennessee Valley Authority CEO Jeffrey Lyash about plans to transition away from coal-fired electricity generation by building a new fossil gas plant, which would require the construction of a new gas pipeline. Congressman Cohen urged a re-thinking of the plan and an increased focus on clean, renewable energy.
The letter reads in part:
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today introduced legislation that would require Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) compensation for the chief executive officer and employees to be comparable to the compensation of executives in public utilities in both the U.S. and Canada. The current law requires comparison with only entities in the U.S.
MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that Tennessee will receive $7,692,249 in federal funds to bring down heating and cooling costs for working families. These investments, secured through last month's government funding legislation, will be used to reduce Tennesseans' energy bills, provide crisis assistance and help weatherize homes.
"As working families contend with rising global energy prices, it is important that we bring down costs and ensure that Memphis and Tennessee homes remain safe, comfortable and affordable," said Congressman Cohen.
MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, today announced that Tennessee will receive $139,172,276 under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) that only he and Jim Cooper (TN-05) voted for in Tennessee's Congressional delegation. The funding will provide all Tennesseans with more transportation options, ease congestion in local communities and reduce carbon pollution across the state.