Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019
Floor Speech
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Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, even during these challenging times, most Americans recognize that when they get home, they find a habitable place and the lights come on with the flip of a switch. But preserving future American energy independence and energy efficiency is a greater challenge.
The climate crisis that we confront today is not just about endangered polar bears and Antarctic ice sheets that are melting and will submerge our coastal areas; it is here and now with our erratic weather, with our soaring temperatures, and with blazing wildfires across the country. Energy- efficient technology shouldn't be the ``alternative,'' it should be the regular standard.
Now, while my home State of Texas is the national leader in greenhouse gas pollution and in climate deniers, it is also the home to really significant growth in wind power, the leading State in the country, and a growing source of solar power.
Investments in clean energy protect taxpayer investments and promote public health and safety. These investments ensure America is leading on the road to clean energy, not being run over by it.
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Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, as Congress considers new investments in research and development, let's direct our efforts where we can achieve the greatest savings and the greatest efficiency.
While carbon capture and storage, the process of capturing carbon dioxide formed in power generation and some industrial processes, has potential, many substantial questions remain about its cost- effectiveness compared to other low-emission technologies, particularly since hundreds of millions of dollars in current tax subsidies are directed, often improperly, to those promoting fossil fuels.
Accordingly, the amendment I have offered that is included in this en bloc amendment gets the facts for taxpayers by asking the National Academy of Sciences to evaluate the efficacy of carbon capture technology and evaluate industries regarding its potential.
Enough of the fossilized thinking about fossil fuels. Let's explore all available tools and technologies, while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are utilized to achieve maximum savings, because energy savings could mean the difference between the Earth's saving and its destruction.
Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the amendment.
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