ABC is troubled by the energy and environmental policy actions of the Obama administration, which have been moving forward without congressional approval via regulation and other administrative methods. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has pursued costly and burdensome regulations without regard for the negative implications they would have on American businesses and their employees. Some of these regulations increase energy and material prices for the construction industry-not to mention the cost of living for employees-and impede economic recovery and job creation.

In addition, the call for a comprehensive energy policy has grown steadily stronger as fuel prices rise. ABC agrees that alternative/renewable energy sources are vital to America’s future; however, ABC also believes the implementation of such sources will only succeed when coupled with measures designed to lessen U.S. dependence on foreign sources of energy. These measures include increased domestic exploration and production of fossil fuels, as well as responsible deepwater drilling.