Energy Efficiency

Floor Speech

Mr. TONKO. President Obama has outlined a bold vision for a significant change in our Nation's energy policy. In keeping with the theme this evening of energy efficiency, I share with you a vision that the President has borne that will take and highlight energy efficiency.

Energy efficiency should be our fuel of choice, a fuel we need to drill and mine like we currently drill for oil and mine for coal. We must invest in demand-side energy solutions as well as supply-side.

Madam Speaker, we must diversify our energy portfolio and achieve efficient outcomes.

For example, this summer in New York State, almost 45 percent of a homeowner's utility bill will go for heating and cooling. For every degree the thermostat is set below 78 degrees, the customer will use 3 to 5 percent more electricity.

When government implements rate-based or taxpayer-funded demand-side management programs, the public policy is clear--the kilowatt saved is the cheapest, cleanest and the quickest kilowatt we can produce.

Madam Speaker, as we move to create legislation that focuses on clean energy jobs, we must remember the important role that energy efficiency has to play.

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