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“ Democratic priorities are clear: we will fight to get the economy back on track, we will create jobs, and we will help unemployed workers. ” |
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Pelosi: 'Energy Policy in This Bill Not Worthy of 21st Century'
Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi gave the following statement about the Republican energy bill, which was passed by the House this afternoon:
“Today we should be bringing to the American people an energy policy that is worthy of the 21st century. A policy that sets us on a path toward reliable sources and supplies of energy, and a cleaner environment. A policy that promotes efficiency and innovation, and provides more protection for consumers.
“But the bill the Administration and the Republican leaders have brought to the floor looks backward and not forward.
“The Republican bill authorizes drilling in the most fragile untouched wilderness of the Arctic in search of a six-month supply of oil that won't reach the market for another 10 years.
“The Republican bill makes our air less healthy and our water more dirty. It jeopardizes the health of our children. It allows companies to force diesel fuel into the ground in a way that could threaten the water table in order to fracture and retrieve oil deposits. It jeopardizes the protection of rivers and fish on behalf of hydroelectric companies.
“The Republican bill allows oil and gas development on sensitive coastal lands and exempts oil and gas drilling sites from water pollution requirements. It includes a variety of taxpayer handouts to oil and gas companies, and protects corporate expatriates that have already moved overseas by grandfathering in their tax breaks.
“And most significantly to those of us from California, this Republican bill strips out some of the few remaining federal protections for electricity consumers. In its place, we would be given a new, untested approach to electricity markets.
“I have a word of warning for my colleagues: ‘Remember California.’ At first, our new competitive electricity market was hailed as a boon for consumers.
“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi
