HOUSE VOTES TO STRENGTHEN U.S. ENERGY SECURITY 

Science Committee Alternative Energy Bill Passes with Broad Support

WASHINGTON, September 29, 2006 – With broad, bipartisan support, the House of Representatives today passed Science Committee legislation that will strengthen U.S. energy security through the development of new technologies that will help wean our nation off foreign oil and ensure a cleaner environment for future generations.

The bill, H.R.6203, Alternative Energy Research and Development Act, introduced by Energy Subcommittee Chairman Judy Biggert (R-IL), passed the House by voice vote.  It covers a wide range of energy technologies, including batteries, biofuels, hydrogen, solar, wind, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, as well as energy programs such as green buildings and green energy education.  An earlier version of the bill (H.R. 5656) passed the Science Committee in June.

H.R. 6203 includes language that was originally in the following bills: H.R.5634, Advanced Energy Initiative Act of 2006, by Chairman Biggert; H.R.5633, Energy Efficient Buildings Act of 2006, by Chairman Biggert; H.R.5643, Energy Technology Transfer Act, by Chairman Biggert; H.R.5538, Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Act of 2006, by Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX); H.R.5594, Solar Utilization Now (SUN) Demonstration Act of 2006, by Rep. Smith; and H.R.5644, Green Energy Education Act of 2006, by Rep. Michael T. McCaul (R-TX).

Science Committee Chairman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) said, “As I think everyone knows, having reliable, affordable, clean domestic sources of energy is a must if our nation is to remain safe and prosperous in the future. To do that, we must invest in a balanced portfolio of energy research and development now so that we have a balanced portfolio of energy sources in the future.”

“We have to face the fact that we cannot meet today’s energy needs – much less tomorrow’s – with yesterday’s energy infrastructure and technology,” Chairman Biggert said.  “We must reduce our reliance on expensive natural gas and Middle Eastern oil, and instead encourage the use of clean, efficient alternatives like renewable fuels, hydrogen, and nuclear power.  H.R. 6203 focuses federal research efforts on overcoming key technical challenges to widespread use of advanced energy technologies and alternative fuels.”

“Americans are concerned about high gas prices, our dependence on foreign oil and global warming,” added Rep. Smith.  “This bill addresses those concerns and improves our energy security, national security and environmental security. By providing federal grants, we can promote development and use of cleaner burning, reliable energy, such as solar power and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Congress has a responsibility to help promote alternative energy technology.”     

Rep. McCaul said, “Passing this important alternative energy legislation shows the House is committed to reducing America’s dependence on foreign sources of oil, which is not just an economic issue but also one of national security.   This legislation provides research and development for cheaper and more reliable alternatives to fossil fuels, and works to provide a cleaner environment for our children, and our grandchildren.”

H.R. 6203 authorizes the President’s Advanced Energy Initiative, which includes funding for solar, wind and hydrogen research and development (R&D).  The bill also creates programs at the Department of Energy to demonstrate plug-in hybrid vehicles and solar power technologies, to encourage the design of green buildings, and to offer energy extension services.  Finally, it asks the National Academy of Sciences to further study and refine its recommendation to create an Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy (ARPA-E). The bill authorizes new appropriations of approximately $402 million over five years for energy research, development, demonstration, and commercial application.

H.R. 6203 is endorsed, in whole or in part, by: Edison Electric Institute, Dow Corning, DuPont, Johnson Controls, Inc., American Honda Motor Company, Alliance to Save Energy, American Chemical Society, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, American Institute of Architects, American Public Power Association, Association of American Universities, National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, and National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

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