Energy

Boehlert believes that only by combining energy efficiency with new technology for cleaner, more environmentally friendly energy production can we sustain economic growth in the United States. Over the past four years he has been a constant champion for energy efficiency and alternative energy research as Chairman of the Science Committee, and has inserted several programs for alternative fueled vehicles in the comprehensive Energy bill, H.R. 6, including $135 million for cleaner school buses, $200 million for an alternative fueled vehicles pilot program, and $3.2 billion for hydrogen technology.

Boehlert has been a strong supporter of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP) funding. He sent letters to House Leadership and the President requesting the release of the remaining emergency LIHEAP funding to combat the high-energy costs facing low-income households and the heat wave experienced throughout the Northeast. In addition, he has consistently sought to increase funding for LIHEAP each year. During debate on the 2006 Budget Reconciliation bill, Boehlert was able to secure an additional $1 billion for LIHEAP.

Boehlert has repeatedly led the effort to increase automobile fuel efficiency, through raising the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard. Boehlert, like 8 out of 10 Americans, believes that fuel efficiency standards should be raised, and will continue to press Congress to pass H.R. 3762, the CAFE bill. Because the comprehensive Energy bill (H.R. 6) did not contain CAFE increases and was overly focused on providing funds to existing energy technologies, Boehlert was forced to vote against the final bill.

Even though he could not vote for the final bill, Boehlert had several projects and programs included in the Energy bill that will benefit local companies.

Examples include:

$40 million for micro-cogeneration technology. Local company ECR International is a leading manufacturer of the technology, which would allow residential customers to generate electricity while heating their homes.
$110 million for clean school buses. Local company Birnie bus is eligible to receive grants under the program, and local manufacturer Baker makes hybrid bus technology that could be funded through the program.
$200 million for an alternative fuel pilot program. The local Orion/BAE systems hybrid buses would be eligible for funding under the program.

May 24, 2006 - Boehlert Secures $300,000 for Cayuga County Renewable Energy Project

December 15, 2005 - Local Company Helps Save Energy Nationally, Creates Jobs Locally

September 30, 2005 - Audubon New York Applauds Congressman Boehlert and Walsh for Opposition to dagerous ‘extinction bill’

September 14, 2005 - Boehlert, Markey Lead Bipartisan Effort to Combat Rising Fuel Prices With Introduction of Legislation to Increase Fuel Economy Standards

July 14, 2005 - Speaker Appoints Boehlert Conferee on Energy Bill

April 15, 2005 - Boehlert Provides Vision for Energy Independence

March 21, 2005 - Boehlert Reintroduces Clean Smokestacks Bill

Energy Initiatives For the 108th Congress

November 18 - Boehlert Champions Provisions in Energy Bill to Benefit Upstate New York Businesses, Environment

November 18 - Boehlert Secures Over $4 Million for Local Water Projects

April 10 - Boehlert statement on passage of House Energy bill.

April 10 - Boehlert statement regarding vote on CAFE standards amendment to the House Energy bill.

April 3 - Boehlert Energy Bill Unanimously Approved by Science Committee

January 24 - Boehlert commends President Bush for releasing $200 million in emergency LIHEAP funds.

Activities of the 107th Congress (2001-2002)

Activities of the 106th Congress (1999-2000)

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