Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2007

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2007

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Mr. HOLT. Mr. Chairman, I rise in reluctant support of the Energy and Water Appropriations bill that we are considering today.

The Energy and Water bill funds our Nation's Department of Energy programs, water and science programs and some defense and agriculture related programs. Unfortunately, instead of making a commitment to a rational energy policy this bill continues our dependence on fossil fuels; continues our practice of poisoning our lands, oceans, and air; and does little to combat rising gas prices.

While H.R. 5427 does increase funding for alternative energy research and development, we must do more. I was pleased to learn that energy supply and conservation programs are funded at $2 billion, 5 percent more than the President's request and 12 percent more than the current level. Important initiatives that will receive additional funding are renewable energy and energy efficiency programs; including biomass fuels, hydrogen technologies and solar power.

Appropriations bills are a chance for Congress to fund programs that we believe fit our Nation's goals and protect the best interests of the American people. In this bill, we must show our commitment to important programs that promote sustainable energy sources, energy efficiency, and eliminate our dependence on foreign oil. We can and should do better than what we are considering today.

That is why I supported the Visclosky amendment which would have invested $750 million in alternative energy, innovation, and energy efficiency by increasing funding for the Biomass and Biorefinery Systems Research and Development and various other technologies such as clean coal and geothermal research and development.

Tomorrow we will consider a bill once again that will allow drilling the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. I wonder when my colleagues will learn that drilling our way to energy independence is unrealistic and simply flawed logic. We must focus on developing sustainable energy sources and encouraging conservation. This is the only way to actually work our way to energy independence.

I urge my colleagues to make a commitment to alternative energy sources. Ernest Hemingway wrote, ``The world is a fine place and worth fighting for.'' We must continue to fight to preserve our environment and develop energy sources that are clean, safe and sustainable.

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