Oct. 27--Congressman Chris Lee, R-Clarence, hosted the first meeting of his new energy advisory board on Monday at the University at Buffalo's Amherst campus.

The panel is comprised of two dozen area energy producers and alternative energy leaders.

The group has been asked to help Lee develop constructive solutions to achieve lower energy prices, create jobs, and clean up the environment.

"Our energy crisis demands an 'all of the above' approach that invests in new sources, boosts production of our domestic resources and rewards energy conservation," Lee said.

This is the fifth in a series of citizen panels Lee is establishing to ensure he is getting the best advice from leaders and concerned area residents.

Two local members on the panel are Paul Reid of Reid Petroleum Corp. and Jon Reimann of AES Somerset.

Visit chrislee.house.gov/energysolutions for a full list of the members.

One of the board members, Harvey Stenger, UB's dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, said he was pleased that Lee is seeking expert advice.

"Energy are complicated and numerous, and the first step is to learn as much about the science, economics, and engineering related to energy as possible," Stenger said.

The lawmaker also shared his concerns about a new national energy tax proposal being considered in Washington. Lee said the energy tax would be paid for, in part, by making energy more expensive for Western New York families and businesses.

At issue is legislation seeking to limit greenhouse gases by implementing a system for the buying and selling of carbon credits through a mechanism known as "cap and trade."

"This cap-and-trade bill creates a massive energy tax that will be paid for in the form of higher prices for consumers, fewer jobs in a range of key industries, and more government," Lee said.

"Instead of punishing financially strapped middle class families, our focus should be on taking steps to reduce harmful emissions through clean, reliable, and affordable energy sources," he said.

Lee introduced the American Energy Act, which implements an "all-of-the-above" solution that offers more affordable energy, more good-paying jobs, energy independence, and a cleaner environment.

One of the key provisions of the bill aims to increase production of American-made energy in an environmentally-sound manner. The measure also promotes new, clean and renewable sources of energy, such as nuclear, clean-coal-technology, wind and solar energy.

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