Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016

Floor Speech

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Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Rush. I also want to thank my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee, including the chairman of the subcommittee, for their hard work.

I am pleased to have several bipartisan measures included in the legislation, including reforming hydropower licensing, addressing efficiency in Federal buildings, enhancing the energy-water nexus, verification of cyber-resilient products for the grid, authorization of water programs, an update of our national policy on the future of the grid, and smart grid-capable labels on products to enhance consumer choice.

These are items I believe should remain in any final energy package. Unfortunately, the Republicans have loaded the bill with nonconstructive language.

One such provision is language from H.R. 2898 that would harm California's delta and the economies of the families, farmers, and communities I represent. There is no way this language should be part of an energy package. It is just an add-on. It just shows how desperate the Republicans are to push through this bad policy.

Because of this, I regretfully oppose this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, our Nation's energy and electricity systems need upgrades and modernization. Climate change needs to be addressed. The Senate companion bill does not address these issues.

So, again, unfortunately, I have to oppose this legislation.

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Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, we had a debate last night about a familiar issue-- California's drought. It is something that impacts all of us, including Oregon and Washington State, not just people south of the delta.

Unfortunately, H.R. 2898 was included in the Energy and Water Development appropriations bill, and it is alarming that the House Republicans have tacked the same language onto the energy bill. This shows the desperation of the House Republicans to force this bad legislation through.

As I said last night, these provisions would further drain freshwater from the California delta. These provisions would damage the delta's ecosystem and harm the communities I represent. It harms some people to benefit others just because one side has the power to do it.

I represent the seventh largest agricultural county in the Nation, so I understand the needs of farmers and ranchers and the impact that water has on the ability to produce the Nation's fruits, nuts, and vegetables.

Unfortunately, H.R. 2898 would weaken the Endangered Species Act and set a precedent of undermining environmental protections. It also exacerbates a water war in the West just at a time when we are working to bridge those divides. In fact, the State and Federal agencies have been working effectively over the past few years to maximize water deliveries to the delta to communities down south.

Federal and State agencies have maximized what little water exists in the State. A lack of water is our biggest threat, not operational flexibility. Last night we heard about wasted water. What hasn't been said is that water that flows to the ocean pushes the saltwater out away from our farms and allows a path for salmon to the ocean.

The majority hasn't reauthorized WaterSmart. They haven't supported investments in recycling. They have cut funding for the Department of the Interior's efforts to boost water assistance. They haven't voted on water infrastructure improvements. How do we prepare for the future either in wet or dry years? This House isn't willing to make those kinds of investments.

Our Nation loses approximately 2 trillion gallons of water because of aging infrastructure. That is about 6 billion gallons of water wasted every day.

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Mr. McNERNEY. There are investments that can be made to recycle water and find wasteful leakage. For example, the State of Israel recycles 90 percent of its water. California recycles only 15 percent. Instead, the Republicans have pushed language that results in diminished fish populations and worsens saltwater intrusion, which affects the water being exported that permanently damages some of our most productive farmland in the world.

Mr. Speaker, this is not a solution. It is a step backward. I am disappointed with this bill, and I urge my colleagues to oppose it.

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