ATA Supports Bipartisan Energy Plan

American Trucking Associations said it supports a bipartisan comprehensive energy bill that calls for domestic oil drilling, tax incentives and alternative energy research to lower the price of fuel.

ATA First Vice Chairman Charles “Shorty” Whittington and truck driver Tony Sifford spoke about the need for action on energy issues at a press conference held by U.S. Rep. Nick Lampson (D-Texas) at ATA’s National Truck Driving Championships in Houston.

The bill would increase domestic production of energy by allowing exploration of the outer continental shelf and oil shale reserves; promote the use of alternative energy sources such as biodiesel, by extending the biodiesel tax credit to ensure that consumers are incentivized to use this renewable resource; and target revenues produced from domestic oil leases to the development of energy conservation technologies.

The bill, known as the National Conservation, Environment, and Energy Independence Act or HR 6709, currently has 130 co-sponsors.