G-Comm™: Gilmer Countians & GCDA Need to Take A Proactive Part in Gilmer County’s Future
The House of Representatives is considering H.R. 1380, New Alternative Transportation To Give Americans Solutions Act Of 2011.
This would provide a significant source of economic support for Gilmer County. Oil and gas development and the resulting income for Gilmer County have been one of the contributors to our economy since the first oil well was drilled in the early 1900s.
The bill supports the use of natural gas as a fuel for vehicles. It would provide tax credits for manufacturers, infrastructure builders and consumers that either supply, support or use vehicles powered by natural gas.
Being able to use natural gas for vehicle fuel provides consumers with a lower cost alternative to high gasoline prices. It would also provide additional motivation for the development of shale oil and gas resources and provide a boost to our country’s energy self-sufficiency.
America currently imports nine to twelve million barrels of foreign oil daily. Increased natural gas production and its use for transportation could reduce the demand for gasoline and the support for high global oil prices.
Congressman McKinley proved he is a friend of coal during his recent town hall meeting at Glenville State College. He has worked constantly to support coal mining and the associated jobs in West Virginia.
In the case of natural gas, Congressman McKinley does not currently support Bill 1380 because of his anti-subsidy stance.
While subsidies have often led to abuse and loss of our tax dollars, the support of natural gas as a vehicle fuel would directly benefit consumers and lead to less dependence on foreign oil. It’s time for Congressman McKinley to prove he’s also a friend of natural gas.
This is an opportunity for Gilmer Countians and our own Gilmer County Economic Development Association to take a proactive part in Gilmer County’s future by contacting Congressman McKinley’s office and expressing support for Bill 1380.
By also encouraging your friends to contact his office, we can make a difference not only in our county’s future but also in supporting America’s energy independence.
You can contact Congressman McKinley’s office in Washington DC at 202.225.4172 or by email at “repmckinley@mail.house.gov”. His staff assistant for energy is Corey Toth.
~~ Darren Feit ~~