Ryan Mackenzie

Madam Speaker, communities throughout the Nation are seeing unprecedented growth in

electricity demand, driven in large part by data centers and other energy-intensive facilities.

That growing demand is already having a direct impact on communities like those that I represent in the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, where, after 4 years of severe inflation under President Biden, residents are being put in a position where they could end up footing the energy bill for new data centers. The rapid growth of these facilities requires unprecedented new investments in our electric grid.

While the grid capacity will catch up eventually, the short-term costs of those investments must not be passed on to families, seniors, and small businesses, many of whom don't want data centers in their communities in the first place.

That is why I am proud to cosponsor the bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act, because large energy consumers who create the demand for new energy infrastructure should pay their fair share of the cost.

We can maintain local control of development activities while also protecting existing ratepayers, and that is exactly what this legislation does.

I thank Representative Evans for his partnership on this legislation, and I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 9340.

Madam Speaker, communities throughout the Nation are seeing unprecedented growth in electricity demand, driven in large part by data centers and other energy-intensive facilities.

That growing demand is already having a direct impact on communities like those that I represent in the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, where, after 4 years of severe inflation under President Biden, residents are being put in a position where they could end up footing the energy bill for new data centers. The rapid growth of these facilities requires unprecedented new investments in our electric grid.

While the grid capacity will catch up eventually, the short-term costs of those investments must not be passed on to families, seniors, and small businesses, many of whom don't want data centers in their communities in the first place.

That is why I am proud to cosponsor the bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act, because large energy consumers who create the demand for new energy infrastructure should pay their fair share of the cost.

We can maintain local control of development activities while also protecting existing ratepayers, and that is exactly what this legislation does.

I thank Representative Evans for his partnership on this legislation, and I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 9340.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Emergency Management Awareness Month and to honor the dedicated emergency management professionals who work tirelessly to protect our families.

Emergency managers play a critical role in preparing communities for natural disasters, severe weather, public health emergencies, and other threats. Long before a crisis occurs, they work with first responders, government agencies, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to develop preparedness plans, coordinate resources, and ensure that our communities are ready to respond when disaster strikes.

When emergencies occur, emergency management professionals are often among the first to act and among the last to leave. Their leadership and coordination help protect lives, maintain essential services, support first responders, and guide communities through the difficult process of recovery and rebuilding. This work is especially important in communities across the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, where first responders--including police, EMS, and professional and volunteer firefighters--play an essential role in keeping our families and neighborhoods safe.

Across the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, we are fortunate to have emergency management professionals who are committed to serving their neighbors and strengthening the resilience of their communities. Their work may often take place behind the scenes, but its impact is felt whenever a community is prepared to endure a crisis and recover from its effects.

National Emergency Management Awareness Month is an opportunity to recognize these dedicated public servants and to remind every American of the importance of being prepared. I encourage families, businesses, and communities to take steps to understand their unique risks, develop emergency plans, and know where to turn for information and assistance during a crisis.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the emergency management professionals and first responders who dedicate themselves to preparing for the unexpected and protecting their communities. Their commitment, expertise, and service are essential to the safety and resilience of our Nation, and they deserve our sincere gratitude.