Issue Position: Energy

Issue Position

Issue Position: Energy

As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I have supported the expansion of American's energy portfolio through increased domestic production, production of renewable energy, conservation and efficiency.

As President Bush said in a recent State of the Union Address:

". . . we have a serious problem: America is addicted to oil, which is often imported from unstable parts of the world. The best way to break this addiction is through technology."

As a Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I am working with my colleagues to reduce our dependence on foreign sources of oil. I support the expansion of America's diversified energy portfolio through a broad approach of increased domestic production, renewable energy production, conservation and efficiency.

I believe hydrogen as a fuel source is the future of energy security, and that is why I authored the amendment for hydrogen research and development in the comprehensive energy bill signed into law in 2005. Recently, I joined three of my colleagues in the House of Representatives in introducing bipartisan legislation to promote the widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology. Congressmen Mike Doyle (D-PA), Zach Wamp (R-TN), and Al Wynn (D-MD), and I believe that our legislation will encourage the rollout of hydrogen technology, for the betterment of our economy, national security, and environment.

The legislation we introduced (H.R. 805) utilizes free enterprise by extending the federal tax credit on fuel cell equipment through 2013 and providing a tax credit for hydrogen fuel consumed in energy conversion.

Another key component of the energy portfolio is ethanol and bio-diesel, a market that needs Congress's continued support. I have been working with our Governor and area businesses to bring E-85 pumps to filling stations in our community.

You may also be interested to know I have recently cosponsored the following bills:

The Drive Act (H.R. 670, Rep. Engel, D-NY) to encourage makers to manufacture more energy efficient automobiles and to help address our alternative fuel infrastructure needs.

The Fuel Savings, Smarter Travel, and Efficient Roadways Act (H.R. 157, Rep. Holt, D-NJ) requiring the Secretaries of Energy and Transportation to report to Congress on potential savings from intelligent transportation systems that would help businesses and consumers conserve fuel.

The H-Prize Act (H.R. 632, Rep. Lipinski, D-IL) allowing the Secretary of Energy to award cash prizes for our brightest entrepreneurs who make technological breakthroughs in hydrogen projects and research.

The 12 by 12 Act (H.R. 635, Rep. Upton, R-MI) requiring by 2012 all gasoline sold in our country for motor vehicles contains at least 10 percent renewable fuel, which would save 12 billion gallons of gas annually.

I will continue to support these and other sound approaches to bring the United States greater energy security.

Source