OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Energy Policy Act of 2004

Date: June 18, 2004
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Energy Natural Resources


ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2004 -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 18, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. BETTY McCOLLUM
OF MINNESOTA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2004

Ms. MCCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, the House today is considering legislation that continues to ignore the real needs of our families.

Today's energy bill won't create jobs, won't lower gas prices and weakens our strong environmental standards that protect our nation's health.

America needs a comprehensive energy plan that strengthens our national security, grows our economy and protects our environment.

We need to pass legislation that invests in energy-efficient technologies of the 21st century, expands conservation efforts and builds an infrastructure based on renewable, homegrown fuels.

Democrats have a plan that would appropriate sufficient funds for the development of domestic energy sources. This includes measures to increase the use of renewable energy resources and the use of emerging technologies that could increase energy efficiency and reduce overall energy consumption.

Unfortunately, Republicans won't allow this plan to be considered.

Once again the House is considering pork-laden energy legislation that adds $140 billion to our deficit, benefits the Republicans special interest friends and fails to create twenty-first century jobs without providing energy independence.

The Republican energy plan on the floor today is the same one the House passed last year. Their plan still tilts too far towards oil and natural gas production. I support domestic production of oil and natural gas. It must be done sensibly, however, to not harm our nation's environment.

I also strongly support investing in energy efficient technology and renewable fuels. Minnesota leads the nation in wind power, ethanol and biodiesel. The energy bill we are passing yet again fails to adequately recognize these homegrown fuels.

Instead of passing the balanced energy plan Minnesotans demand, the Republicans have loaded this bill up with giveaways to corporations making record profits.

I will not vote for a pork-filled energy bill that doesn't meet our nation's energy needs for the first century.
I urge my colleagues to vote no today.

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