Say "No" to Big Oil
Op-Ed
Dear Friend,
A key component of addressing the challenges of the new economy is reducing America's dependence on foreign oil. I am pleased to announce that this week the House passed a forward-thinking energy bill. H.R. 6899, the "Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act" passed by a vote of 236 to 189.
This 21st-century bill moves America in the direction of energy independence by expanding renewable sources of energy, requiring utility companies to generate 15% of electricity from renewable sources by 2020 and allowing responsible off-shore drilling provided the states approve.
The bill also includes provisions that will lower costs to consumers. They include making oil companies pay their fair share for drilling on public lands, repealing tax subsidies for the big oil companies, and releasing a small percentage of oil from the strategic petroleum reserve.
While the Republicans keep singing "drill, baby, drill," and pushing for a bill that sides with Big Oil, the Democratic majority has put together an energy bill that will create American jobs, lower the cost at the pump, and decrease America's reliance on foreign oil. This measure builds upon a progressive energy bill the Democratic Congress passed last year that made crucial investments in renewable energy and raised CAFE standards for the first time in decades.
I am proud that Colorado has been a leader in renewable energy and reducing our dependence on foreign oil. From the work of the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), the nation's preeminent energy research lab, to our aggressive renewable portfolio standards (RPS) to the 36 ultra-low emission hybrid-electric vehicles that service the 16th Street Mall and the light-rail that runs through the metropolitan area of Denver - it is my hope that the nation will follow in our footsteps.
As Vice Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to address not only our energy needs, but also the important issues facing our country.
Sincerely,
Diana DeGette
Member of Congress
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