Lucas Supports Resolution to Encourage Renewable Energy

LUCAS SUPPORTS RESOLUTION TO ENCOURAGE RENEWABLE ENERGY

U.S. Representative Frank Lucas cosponsored legislation today to encourage the use of renewable energy, and to encourage a national goal for 25 percent of U.S. energy consumption to come from renewable sources by 2025.

"A balanced energy plan must include both exploration and conservation," Lucas said. "We have the land, the resources, and the capability to expand our renewable energy production, especially in Oklahoma."

Lucas cosponsored the concurrent resolution, which establishes the sense of Congress that the U.S. should establish a goal to have 25 percent of U.S. energy consumption come from renewable resources. Renewable energy currently produces 6 percent of America's total energy.

"Our oil and gas production in Oklahoma has increased, yet the demand in our country and worldwide has increased even more," Lucas said. "We can and should dramatically increase our renewable energy production to try to offset our dependence on foreign sources of oil."

Renewable fuels can include biofuels such as ethanol, made from grain or sugar cane, or biodiesel, which can be made from oil seeds like soybeans or even from waste materials like restaurant grease. The next generation of biofuels is being made from cellulosic materials like grass, corn or wheat stalks, or rice hulls.

Lucas cited an ethanol plant already under construction in Enid, Okla. as an example of the potential economic development benefits to our state. A second ethanol plant in Enid is being proposed. Both would be 55-million gallon facilities, and each would employ 30 to 40 people.

"We have an abundance of these potential biofuels in Oklahoma," Lucas said. "The potential payoffs for our state from energy created by these fuel sources are enormous."

The concurrent resolution was introduced today by Rep. Bob Goodlatte(VA). Concurrent resolutions must be passed by both the House and Senate like bills. But unlike a bill, concurrent resolutions are not signed by the President. They do not have the force of law, but establish the sense of Congress on issues before the body.

The 25 x '25 initiative has gained the support of more than 70 organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Farmers Union, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the National Association of Wheat Growers, and the National Association of Conservation Districts.

"The goal is not to encourage one form of renewable energy over another, but to encourage the use of all renewables so that market forces can encourage the next generation of renewable energy."

http://www.house.gov/list/press/ok03_lucas/renew25by25.html