September 27, 2001

Washington, D.C. - A leading small business advocate joined Senator Larry Craig (R-ID), labor union leaders and representatives from other business associations at a Capitol Hill press conference this morning to urge the Senate to move forward on national energy legislation.  Expressing her concern about future price stability and the reliability of energy, Small Business Survival Committee (SBSC) chairman Karen Kerrigan asserted that an affordable, abundant and self-determining supply of energy was critical to economic security and recovery especially for small firms.

"Economic uncertainty continues to grip our nation's small business and entrepreneurial sector - the backbone of job creation and the wellspring of economic growth.  Access to affordable energy is key to restoring confidence among small firms.  It is vitally important that Congress consider energy legislation a priority, and as part of its effort to stimulate and bring certainty to the economy.  Future price shocks would be a further blow for small businesses currently teetering on the edge.  There is no better time than now to address this critical need, particularly because it serves our national security interests as well," stated Kerrigan.

SBSC is a national small business advocacy organization with over 70,000 members nationwide.  They have been a leading advocacy organization representing small business interests on a range of energy issues.  For more information, please call (202)-785-0238, or visit www.sbsc.org.