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Marty on the Issues |
Congressman Meehan's Plan for a Responsible Energy Policy Congress missed a landmark
opportunity last July to lower energy prices, make new investments
in clean energy, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
Instead, the new energy law, which I opposed, provided billions of
dollars in subsidies to the oil industry and weakened environmental
and consumer protections. I support a national energy
policy that puts consumers and the environment ahead of oil industry
profits. My energy plan would:
It's time to repeal the tax
breaks given to the big oil companies and fund the development of
more affordable sources of energy. With oil companies enjoying
windfall profits, now is the time to take real steps to cut the cost
of energy and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. To protect
consumers, energy companies that engage in price gouging must be
prosecuted.
With winter upon us, I am
working in Congress to increase funding for the LIHEAP program,
which helps make home heating and cooling more affordable for
families struggling to make ends meet.
Our dependence on Middle
East oil is hurting our economy and compromising our national
security. America has the resources and the technology to
develop clean, renewable sources of fuel from solar power to
hydrogen fuel cells. We just need to make it a priority.
I support requiring all vehicles to meet fuel economy standards for cars by 2013. Raising fuel economy standards would reduce U.S. oil imports by 10 percent and prevent more than 200 million tons of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere each year. Congressman Meehan on the Energy Policy Act of 2005 On August 8, 2005, President Bush signed H.R. 6 - the Energy Policy Act of 2005 - into law.
The new law does little to lessen our dependence on Foreign Oil, and nothing to reduce the cost of gasoline for American consumers. (Click here to read Congressman Meehan's report on the impact of increased gasoline prices on family budgets in Massachusetts.)
The law also does nothing to improve average fuel efficiency standards -- one of the easiest ways to lessen our national energy consumption -- or to encourage the use of renewable energy, like wind or solar power.
Instead, the legislation opens new loopholes in environmental laws, allowing energy companies to pollute our rivers, oceans and drinking water. The legislation also gives away billions of dollars in subsidies to big, special interest energy companies.
Congressman Meehan believes that a responsible energy policy -- one that reduces our need for foreign oil, supports increasing fuel efficiency and protects the quality of our air and water -- will improve the economy, the environment and positively impact our foreign affairs. (Click here for Congressman Meehan's report card on the Republican Energy Plan.) Meehan Record on Energy and Environment Congressman Meehan has built a solid record as a leading advocate for environmental protection. As the Democratic co-chair of the House Sustainable Development Caucus, Meehan has worked with his colleagues in the Congress and with leading environmental organizations such as the Sierra Club, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the League of Conservation Voters, and U.S. PIRG to advance a legislative agenda that will increase air and water quality while preventing rollbacks that would sacrifice our natural heritage. Meehan's commitment to protecting natural resources has benefited local preservation efforts, and thanks to his work the Fifth District of Massachusetts has received millions in federal aid to safeguard the environment in our communities. Please take a moment to review some of Congressman Meehan's recent initiatives and accomplishments at the national and local levels.
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