House passes Comprehensive Energy Bill

House passes Comprehensive Energy Bill
April 21, 2005

Frelinghuysen says reduction of foreign oil dependence hinders on strengthening our domestic energy supply, not ANWR drilling; Looks forward to more thoughtful solution to MTBE problem

Washington, DC - With more American s feeling the effects of rising gasoline prices, the House has passed The Energy Policy Act, H.R. 6, comprehensive legislation to help diversify our domestic energy supply, prevent future power "blackouts," and establish greater energy independence and economic security, Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11) today announced.

Frelinghuysen, who today voted for H.R. 6, issued the following statement:

"New Jerseyans know better than most that high gas prices are causing them to feel a pinch at the pump and in their wallets. This comprehensive legislation will put us on a path to produce more efficient and innovative forms of energy here at home, reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil, and hopefully help alleviate the high price of gas and fuel oil in the long run.

"While this legislation does address some of the root causes of high energy prices, I continue to oppose drilling in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge(ANWR) and believe a more thoughtful solution to the MTBE problem needs to crafted when this legislation is reconciled in conference between the House and Senate.

"Since 1996, I have been a strong proponent of eliminating the production of MTBE as well as an advocate for cleanups and removal of this additive from drinking water supplies. In fact, I cosponsored legislation in 1999 to ban this fuel additive, secured a funding increase for the clean up of MTBE from leaking underground gasoline tanks, and have taken the issue up with the EPA time and again.

"Finally, I believe the key to reducing our dependence on foreign oil hinders not on opening the ANWR to drilling, but on the continued research and development of renewables and energy alternatives. These are the keys to establishing greater energy independence, reducing home heating bills, and producing cleaner and more efficient energy sources, and I am pleased to see they are again an important component of our nation s energy policy."

http://frelinghuysen.house.gov/cgi-data/press/files/101.shtml