IAPA joins the call for a special session on energy by US lawmakers

IAPA has joined with other leaders in the travel industry in calling for a special session of the U.S. Congress to produce a viable, long-term energy policy. In an open letter to President Bush due to be published Monday, industry leaders urge the President to compel lawmakers to set aside political posturing and go beyond short-term proposals, such as steps to curb speculation on oil prices, and enact sensible, forward-thinking energy legislation.

“Many of us in the travel industry – which is being decimated by rapidly rising fuel prices and uncertainty about the future -- believe that curbing speculation may have merit, but know it is not the whole answer,” the letter states. “Our view is that we need to do all we can on every front, but that optimizing our efforts requires an integrated, comprehensive, well thought out national energy policy,” it continues.

Appealing to the political will of lawmakers, the letter also warns: “In the absence of a sound, longterm energy policy, the fear now taking its toll on businesses and jobs will spread. In such an environment, no Congressional seat will or should be safe this November.”

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