Walsh Votes to Increase Energy Independence Through Renewable Energy and Against Energy Tax Hike

Press Release

WALSH VOTES TO INCREASE ENERGY INDEPENDENCE THROUGH RENEWABLE ENERGY AND AGAINST ENERGY TAX HIKE

Today Congressman Walsh voted in favor of H.R. 3221, The New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security and Consumer Protection Act. H.R. 3221 is intended to promote energy efficiency, new technologies and tighter environmental regulations on the energy industry. Included within the bill was an amendment requiring nationwide utilities to produce 15% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020.

Although Walsh is cosponsor of more stringent language, which had called for a 20% production increase by 2020, he fully supported the amendment which called for the 15% requirement. An estimated 15 % increase in renewable energy sources would generate a net savings of $100 billion for U.S. consumers over the next 20 years and a drop in wholesale energy prices between 7%-11%.

Not included in H.R. 3221 was language requiring an increase to corporate average fuel efficiency (CAFE) standards. Walsh is a cosponsor of H.R. 1506, calling for an increase in CAFE standards from 27mpg to 35 mpg. CAFE language is included in the Senate energy bill and is figured to be enacted when the Senate and House versions are reconciled in conference.

"Although improvements can be made, H.R. 3221 is a significant first step toward reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, combating global warming, and improving our overall quality of life" said Walsh.

Congressman Walsh voted against H.R. 2776, The Energy Tax Act of 2007. Although similar in structural language to H.R. 6, The Clean Energy Act, which Congressman Walsh voted in favor of, H.R. 2776 contains new tax increases that in total would raise more than $15 billion.

H.R. 2776 also fails to extend several expiring tax provisions that directly have benefited consumers. Such provision include incentives to help consumers purchase fuel efficiency cars, install solar powered heaters, and to make energy efficiency upgrades to existing home; all of which were left out of the bill.

With our nation's oil refineries already at full capacity, The Energy Tax Act of 2007 provides disincentive for domestic investment in upgrading our nation's oil facilities putting a major strain on our nation's refining infrastructure. The bill also has the potential to drive national gasoline and petrochemical production overseas, endangering our national security by increasing our dependency on foreign nations for our energy needs.

The Energy Tax Act of 2007 would also create a slush fund for states and cities to arbitrarily distribute tax-credits without oversight, coordination, and merit.

Walsh said, "Democrats have consistently have attempted to raise taxes via any means attainable. This act simply disguises a vile attempt to duplicate efforts already passed by the House".

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