APGA Awards Rep. Brooks for Support of Fiscally-Sound Energy Policies
Washington, D.C. – This week, representatives from the nonprofit American Public Gas Association (APGA) and Huntsville Utilities presented Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) with an “APGA Appreciation Award” for his efforts on behalf of natural gas consumers. The award was unanimously approved by the APGA board of directors and presented to Congressman Brooks in his Washington, D.C. office.
In June, Brooks organized a bipartisan letter signed by an astonishing 120 House colleagues, submitted to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Moniz expressing concern over the DOE’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding residential furnaces. The high initial costs associated with installation and the additional venting requirements for the condensing furnaces that would be mandated under the DOE’s NPRM would push many residential customers—particularly those in warmer climates such as North Alabama—to purchase and install potentially less efficient home heating alternatives. The letter made an immediate impact within the DOE and will likely lead to significant energy cost savings, especially throughout the South.
Bert Kalisch, President and CEO of APGA, said, "APGA was more than happy to award Representative Brooks with this well-deserved recognition. His work to protect America's natural gas customers is admirable and an example to all policymakers. APGA looks forward to continued work with Representative Brooks in fighting for the use of America's best energy resource and for American consumers to make their own home energy decisions."
Upon initial release of the letter, Huntsville Utilities President and CEO Jay Stowe said, “Huntsville Utilities appreciates the support and attention Congressman Brooks and his staff have brought to this issue. His efforts could potentially save thousands of dollars in replacement costs for our customers and people all over the country that will eventually have to address and replace aging home furnaces.”
Congressman Brooks said, “I appreciate being recognized by the APGA for my work to rein in the Department of Energy, which has run amuck under this Administration. As an advocate for lowering energy costs and reducing overregulation, it’s my firmly held belief that less government intervention in any market will increase innovation, and most importantly reduce costs for the American consumer.”
In attendance at the award presentation:
Rich Worsinger (Chairman of the APGA Board of Directors Director of Energy Resources for the City of Rocky Mount, NC)
John Olshefski (Vice President of Customer Care – Huntsville Utilities)
Donnie Sharp (Senior Natural Gas Supply Coordinator – Huntsville Utilities)
Bert Kalisch (APGA’s President & CEO)
Dave Schryver (APGA’s Executive Vice President).
For photos of this event, please visit Rep. Brooks’ Flickr account by clicking HERE.
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