National Hispanic Energy Council Applauds Congressional Passage of One Big Beautiful Bill as Victory for Hispanic Families Facing Higher Energy Costs

The National Hispanic Energy Council (NHEC), founded to bring a Hispanic voice to the energy policy debate, applauded Congressional passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, which will help reduce the disproportionate energy cost burden Hispanic families face while strengthening American energy security.

The comprehensive legislation addresses key energy priorities that directly impact Hispanic communities, who pay 20% higher energy costs compared to the median American family. The bill's provisions for expanded offshore and onshore lease sales, accelerated permitting, and nuclear power development will help increase domestic energy supply and reliability.

"This legislation represents a significant step forward for Hispanic families who have been disproportionately impacted by high energy costs," said NHEC Chairman Julio Fuentes, who is also president and CEO of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "By unleashing domestic energy production and streamlining the permitting process, this bill will help bring down the energy burden that has forced too many Hispanic families to choose between paying their energy bills or for other basic necessities."

The bill includes critical provisions to accelerate environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act for companies willing to pay expedited review fees, which will help reduce the regulatory delays that have contributed to higher energy costs. The legislation also ensures regular offshore lease sales in the Gulf of America and Alaska, refills the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and expands support for advanced nuclear power.

"Hispanic entrepreneurs and small business owners, who start businesses at three to five times the rate of any other population segment, will directly benefit from more affordable and reliable energy," said NHEC Vice Chairman Matthew Gonzales, who is also Consumer Energy Alliance's Southwest Executive Director. "Lower energy costs mean Hispanic business owners can reinvest in their operations, hire more workers, and contribute even more to the $3.2 trillion Hispanic Americans bring to the U.S. GDP annually."

The National Hispanic Energy Council has consistently advocated for energy policies that prioritize affordability and reliability, recognizing that Hispanic families bear a disproportionate energy cost burden that impacts their ability to achieve economic prosperity and the American dream.

National Hispanic Energy Council | https://hispanicenergycouncil.org/