The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has expressed its support for H.R. 3699, known as the Energy Choice Act, in a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives. The proposed legislation would prevent state and local governments from enacting bans on energy services based on the type or source of energy. According to NFIB, this measure aims to lower energy costs and maintain options for small businesses regarding their energy providers.
Louis Bertolotti, Principal of Federal Government Relations at NFIB, stated: “The cost of energy remains a top issue impacting our nation’s small businesses. To encourage the use of certain energy sources over others, states and municipalities throughout the country have implemented burdensome restrictions that have decreased access to affordable, reliable energy sources. This legislation will prevent these one-size-fits-all mandates from wreaking further havoc on small businesses and their local economies as electricity demands continue to break peak records.”
Data from NFIB’s latest Problems & Priorities survey shows that small business owners rank costs related to natural gas, propane, gasoline, diesel, and fuel oil as their sixth most significant concern. Electricity costs are ranked tenth among overall issues facing small businesses.
NFIB’s letter in support of the bill is available for public viewing.
