Washington, D.C. – February 3, 2016 – (RealEstateRama) — The House passed a bill to encourage the development of affordable and reliable electricity in Africa, by pursuing an “all of the above” energy strategy that includes coal. Hundreds of millions in Africa suffer from a lack of access to power.
“We’ve been discussing the importance of increasing access to electricity in Africa for years,” said McKinley. “However, in the past President Obama has put ideology ahead of bringing people out of poverty by excluding coal from the equation. With this vote Congress has taken action to ensure hundreds of millions can have affordable energy.”
“A lack of reliable electricity means 620 million people in Africa are consigned to live in poverty without access to light, refrigeration, and clean water,” said McKinley. “In Sub-Saharan Africa there is only enough electricity generated to power a single 40-watt lightbulb for three hours each day for every person.”
“This means children don’t have light to read at night, hospitals don’t have refrigeration to store medicine, and people rely on unhealthy cooking sources like wood,” said McKinley. “Without access to electricity there is little chance for a better life.”
“Fossil fuels – including coal – will play a major role in providing affordable electricity to the continent,” said McKinley. “We have a moral imperative to assist African countries in developing a plan to build the energy infrastructure required to lift hundreds of millions out of poverty.”
The Electrify Africa Act will now go to the President’s desk for his signature.
