Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019

Floor Speech

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Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman, my good friend from Michigan, for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 4447, which represents a missed opportunity to advance true bipartisan policies that would secure our Nation's energy future.

America's innovators have shown over the past 15 years that they are capable of spurring economic growth and reducing emissions as long as the United States has a regulatory environment that is conducive to the development and deployment of new technologies.

In fact, according to an April EPA report, national greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by 10 percent since 2005 and power sector emissions have fallen by 27 percent while, during the same period, our economy grew by 25 percent. Unfortunately, H.R. 4447 would do nothing to cultivate the necessary regulatory environment to continue to build on these accomplishments.

Another reason to be concerned about this bill is the price tag. At a time when our country is seeing record budget deficits, how has the majority chosen to respond? By spending over $135 billion in taxpayer funds on partisan energy mandates that pick winners and losers.

Finally, my Republican colleagues and I offered amendments to improve this bill. My amendment would have authorized the establishment and operation of a uranium reserve to assure its availability in the event of a market disruption and to support strategic fuel cycle capabilities in the United States. This policy would result in lower carbon emissions, new jobs, and a more secure world.

Unfortunately, the majority ruled against this amendment, as well as those offered by my Republican colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee that would have ensured the American people would have access to affordable and reliable sources of energy.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this partisan legislation.

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