Energy

"[This] energy bill wouldn't change the price at the pump today. I know that and you know that."

-- President Bush on the House-passed energy bill, 4/20/05

Like all of us, Congresswoman DeLauro is deeply concerned about our nation's energy situation, especially the toll that high gas prices are taking on consumers throughout Connecticut. High gasoline and oil prices place a strain on our economy and show our dependence on foreign oil. That is what we must develop an energy policy critical that strengthens our economic and national security.

Clearly, we face some tough decisions. DeLauro believes we can achieve a balanced energy policy that helps our economy grow, protects the environment, and keeps our nation secure. We need to increase and diversify our energy supply and reduce the overall demand by improving efficiency with which we produce and utilize energy – making us less vulnerable to energy shortages and less dependent on foreign suppliers.

To ease our dependence on foreign oil, we need to invest in new technologies that will maximize our ability to extract domestic energy supplies in a manner that is not destructive to the environment. To promote much needed clean energy alternatives, we need to support efforts to develop alternative and renewable energy sources -- like fuel cells and compressed natural gas. At the same time, we need to aggressively protect consumers. The Justice Department should vigorously investigate energy prices across the board to assure that illegal price fixing is not occurring.

Meeting our energy needs does not mean that we need to compromise our nation’s environmental laws. Proposed drilling in environmentally sensitive areas, including the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and other federal monuments, is not a sensible answer, especially when the vast majority of America’s oil and gas resources – meeting decades of energy needs – are on less sensitive lands already open to energy development. We can grow the economy and, at the same time, make strides in improving the environment.

Many American families and seniors, that were subject to outrageous energy prices that threatened the ability of many to provide adequate heat for their homes two winters ago, are still struggling to pay-off of those exorbitant costs. At the time, the heavy burden forced many to decide between food or heat. To make sure that no family or senior has to make such an unconscionable choice, DeLauro has consistently pushed for additional funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP is the main vehicle we have at our disposal to help our most vulnerable seniors and families to keep the heat on in the winter and to provide cooling during the summer months.

DeLauro has also worked closely with the Clinton and Bush Administrations to secure and fund the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve. The Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve, which was created as a result of the severe supply disruption that caused price spikes two winters ago, will help protect Americans in the Northeast from possible fuel shortages and price spikes in the winter. You will be pleased to know that almost half of all the home heating oil in the Reserve, is stored in New Haven harbor.

DeLauro will continue her efforts to provide Connecticut and the Northeast the energy security it needs. While rising energy prices may have subsided temporarily and some short-term forecasts are even promising, the time has come for our nation to adopt a sustainable energy policy. A comprehensive energy policy that provides clean, safe and reliable energy for the short-term and the long-term makes sense. It will provide American families the energy security they need.

DeLauro on the Issues

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