Achieving Energy Independence

Energy policy impacts our national security, the strength of our economy and the health of our planet.  One need only look at how soaring gas prices are hurting American families; or how our addiction to Middle East oil has threatened our national security; or how the increased consumption of fossil fuels has contributed to global warming.

These issues will dominate the 21st Century and American leadership --- at home and around the world --- is needed now more than ever.  But it requires a whole new energy policy. 

Our goal must be to put America on a path of energy independence.  Like the Apollo space mission, our nation has the resources and the technology to meet this new challenge. We can do so if we adopt more policies that promote conservation, fuel efficiency, the development of renewable fuels, including bio-diesel, corn and cellulose ethanol, and clean energy technologies such as wind, solar and ocean energy. 

American scientists are now leading the way in developing technologies to make our cars, homes, and businesses far more energy efficient.  Scientists have also found new ways to develop cost-effective wind and ocean energy technologies.  Today’s advances in technology are making ethanol and bio-fuel – from the mid-west -- more productive and affordable.  There may come a day when America will get most of its fuel from Mid-West, rather than the Middle East.  When that day comes, however, is up to us.

There will always be those who say it can’t be done. However, in just three years Brazil was able tot cut oil consumption by 40%. Most of their automobiles now use renewable fuels. In Japan, most cars will be “flex-fuel” within the next 20 years. 

American leadership will bring with it new economic opportunities for business, and new jobs for our workers and families. Not only does this make sense for America and the planet, but Massachusetts benefits as well.   We have the scientific expertise, labor force, venture capital and the natural resources to make the entire New England region an international leader in renewable and ocean energy technology.

But it is important that we act now ….both in Washington and here at home.  Here is how we can do it.  
I have been working in Congress on a package of legislative proposals that would move our country on a path towards energy independence.  Here are some of the initiatives we have been working on

As always, I invite your comments.

                                                                 Thinking Globally....

Reading Room ·         CAFE Standards ·         Renewable Energy Policy: Tax Credit, Budget and Regulatory Issues ·         Alternative Fuel Vehicles ·        Energy Efficiency

BIOFUELS Act – I am a cosponsor of HR 5372 is a comprehensive alternative energy bill that would:  

• Dramatically increase the number of flex fuel vehicles on the road
• Expand the number of ethanol and biodiesel pumps at the country’s gas stations
• Fund research and development into cutting-edge technologies for biofuels

      Text of legislation  -- HR 5372

New Apollo Act - I am an original cosponsor of H.R. 2828, the New Apollo Energy Act of 2005.  Introduced by Congressman Jay Inslee, the New Apollo Energy Act bill will make sure that the United States leads the world in developing and manufacturing next generation energy technologies.  The New Apollo Energy Act of 2005 would:

• Provide $49 billion in government loan guarantees for the construction of clean-energy generation facilities
• Provide $11.5 billion in tax credits for the automotive and aerospace industries to develop new fuel efficient automobiles and planes, retool existing plants, and construct new plants to manufacture energy efficient vehicles
• Combat Global Warming through caps on greenhouse gas emissions and $7 billion in loan guarantees for the development of clean coal power plants

Text of Legislation - H.R. 2828

Boehlert – Markey CAFE Standards Amendment - I have been a consistent supporter of the Boehlert-Markey Amendment on Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards.  The Amendment mandates an increase in the average fuel economy of cars and light trucks to 33 miles per gallon by 2016 from 23 miles per gallon today.  Raising fuel economy standards is the single most important step the Congress can take to reduce the US ‘addiction to oil’ in the short run.

Offshore Renewable Energy:  In August 2005, the Congress authorized the use of our oceans for a number of renewable energy technologies, such as wind, wave and tidal energy.  The program is similar to one that I authored in 2002.  Standards are now being developed by the Minerals Management Service.

 …. ACTING LOCALLY

The Town of Hull is a national model for energy independence.  Recently, I participated in the dedication ceremony for its newest wind turbine, the Hull Wind 2.  While this new turbine will provide power for nearly 750 homes, the Town is now developing plans to build an offshore wind farm that will help the town achieve energy independence.    Click here to read more about Hull’s wind energy initiative.

Given the important role our communities must play in building consensus for coastal energy projects, I am promoting the creation of  Ocean Energy Research and Development Zones in federal and state waters to capitalize on the growing interest among local communities and companies to develop offshore renewable energy.   Click here to read more and excerpts of letter I sent to the US Energy Secretary supporting the idea.

We are currently working with the Cape Cod National Seashore and local communities to establish a “Renewable Fuels Partnership” to boost demand for renewable fuels and create incentives for suppliers and distributors. 

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Going Green saves Greenbacks

Conservation remains the best way to gain control over our energy consumption.  During previous periods of dramatic price increases in oil, the United States became a drastically more efficient energy consumer.  Here’s a few links that can help make you cut some of your energy costs in your home or office.

MA Division of Energy Resources