House Passes Energy Bill...Again
WASHINGTON, April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The U.S. House of Representatives passed a new energy bill which re-authorizes incentives encouraging construction of wind and solar power projects and also introduces important new measures to improve energy conservation. The U.S. Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008 was passed with bi-partisan support in the House in a 236 to 182 vote.
The wind and solar industry associations have lobbied hard to extend the tax credits which have spurred record growth in both industries over the past five years. Many analysts view the extension as necessary for wind and solar companies to compete on a level playing field.
Well, they've done it again and only 182 are against it.
Recently, I was interested in why one of our local Congressmen, John Campbell would vote against an energy bill. Here is the letter he sent me.
Dear Mr. Epp :
Thank you for contacting me to express your thoughts on energy issues facing our nation. I appreciate hearing from you on this matter.
A secure and reliable supply of energy is vital to our national security. It is just unwise to leave so much of our economy at the mercy of a few uncertain foreign nations. I believe a key component to resolving this matter, and one that is often neglected, is the question of choice. There are existing vehicular energy options beyond oil currently in the marketplace, but we just do not get choice. There's ethanol, which can be made from many things such as corn and sugar cane. There's methanol that can be made from coal. Our nation is the Saudi Arabia of coal with 25 percent of all the world's reserves. There's bio-diesel, which is diesel fuel made from vegetable oils. And there are the plug-in hybrid vehicles that allow the car to run entirely on electricity locally or when at low speeds.
Over the past few months, I have been actively involved in the drafting of H.R. 670, the Dependence Reduction through Innovation in Vehicles and Energy (DRIVE) Act. This legislation, which currently has over 70 cosponsors, would require auto manufacturers to build cars that give consumers the choice of at least one other fuel source that is not oil-based. As long as the vehicle meets emission standards, it doesn't matter which alternative fuel it uses. By adhering to this philosophy the United States would move toward a reduction of 2.5 million less barrels of oil consumed a day in 2015 and 5 million barrels a day in 2025. In effect, H.R. 670 would encourage the efficient use of petroleum, while expanding incentives to produce and purchase cutting edge hybrid, flex fuel, and electric vehicular technology.
Reform on the energy front, though, is not limited to vehicular technology. Right now, in California most of our buildings are heated and cooled through electrical energy generated by natural gas. This energy source is costly, unstable, and poses environmental problems. I believe we should look towards alternative sources that are more environmentally friendly and economically feasible. A good case study can be found in two of the worlds' most enviro -conscious nations - France and Sweden . In these respective nations, they have chosen to resolve their environmental and economic difficulties with energy by encouraging nuclear power development. Since the 1960's, they have largely been powered by these plants without incident. The perception of nuclear power in the U.S. is that it is dangerous and damaging to the environment. In reality, though, technological advancements have made nuclear a safe source of energy, and it is closely comparable to wind or solar power with respect to carbon dioxide emissions. We too such encourage development in this arena. It is clean, safe, and cost-effective.
As other countries like China and India join the industrialized ranks and their demand for energy increases, it is important from both an economic and national security standpoint that we form a sound energy policy. Congress' work is far from being finished. I am committed to encouraging the passage of bills like H.R. 670 that improve our national security, protect the taxpayer, and help keep energy prices down for hard-working American families.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me. Having the benefit of your views is important, and I appreciate you sharing them with me.
I remain respectfully yours,
JOHN CAMPBELL
Member of Congress
I always wondered why these guys voted against a clean energy bill. Nuclear must be the answer.
