Keating Statement on Oppostion to Energy and Water Appropriations Bill

Statement

Tonight, the House of Representatives voted on H.R. 4923, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2015. In addition to several harmful riders that would curtail advances made in energy efficiency and deny the latest climate change science while still supporting government subsidies for Big Oil, a Republican provision added to the bill specifically prohibits federal funding for Cape Wind. This provision is yet another empty exercise that has no chance of enactment and was meant to curry favor with special interests.

"I voted against this bill and oppose the continued efforts to undermine the development of offshore renewable energy. Once again, my Republican colleagues have demonstrated their tireless commitment to the oil and gas industry at the expense of investing in our nation's job creation and innovation. There were multiple opportunities to reduce spending in this bill for programs known for their bloated budgets, including from fossil fuels.

"In Massachusetts, we are not so short-sighted as the Republican leadership. We have long fought for investments in the necessary infrastructure and job training that will position our region and workers to benefit from the growing offshore energy industry. Just last week, the Department of Energy announced its commitment to issue a loan guarantee for Cape Wind, bringing the project one step closer toward getting steel in the water.

"Cape Wind represents more than a fight for federal funding; it will be a first-of-its-kind project that will mark the entrance of the United States as a producer of offshore renewable energy into the global playing field. It should be a source of embarrassment that the world's leading economy continues to lag behind some of our biggest competitors overseas."

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