Congress has recessed without addressing the energy crisis in our country.  There is a bill, HR 6709 entitled The National Conservation, Environment and Energy Independence Act that will repeal the moratoria on energy production in the U.S. and open up areas off-shore for responsible drilling.  The bi-partisan sponsors of this bill, Congressman Peterson (R-PA) and Abercrombie (D-HI) are seeking 300 co-sponsors in order to pressure the leadership to call this bill for a vote.  

Congressman John Shimkus (R-Collinsville), Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) and Congressman Bill Foster (D-Batavia - he replaced Denny Hastert) have signed on as co-sponsors.  IFCA encourages you to send a letter by mail or fax or call the following Congressman in their district offices to ask them to do the same.  A sample letter is attached and is also posted on the IFCA website at www.ifca.com.  You can download it and modify it to make it reflective of your company and your thoughts.  The letter or phone calls need to go to:  

Congressman Tim Johnson (R-Urbana), 2004 Fox Drive, Champaign IL 61820; phone 217.403.4690, fax 217.403.4691

Congressman Phil Hare (D-Rock Island), 1535 47th Ave, Suite 5, Moline IL 61265; phone 309.793.5760; fax 309.762.9193

Congressman Ray LaHood (R-Peoria), 100 North East Monroe, Room 100, Peoria IL 61602; phone 309.671.7027; fax 309.671.7309

Congressman Jerry Weller (R-Morris); 2701 Black Road, Suite 201, Joliet IL 60435; phone 815.740.2028; fax 815.740.2037

Congressman Jerry Costello (D-Belleville); 144 Lincoln Place Court, Suite 4, Belleville IL 62221; phone 618.233.8026; fax 618.233.8765


You can thank Congressman Shimkus by calling his office at 618.344.3065; Congressman Manzullo at 815.394.1231 and Congressman Foster at 309.944.3558---they deserve to be thanked for their leadership! 

Public support of this legislation continues to grow.  Please make your voice heard and don't be afraid to push this issue, that's what it is going to take to force a vote on this legislation.  Thanks and give Jean Payne a call if you have any questions.