America’s Energy Future

As a member of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, we need also emphasize emerging energy alternative and efficient technologies. These include incentives for renewable production, hydroelectric power, enhanced research and development and overall energy conservation.

Last year, I participated in the House and Senate conference on a final energy bill, which was signed into law by the President.  On balance, this bill, H.R. 6, is a good first step in ending our reliance on foreign oil by encouraging more domestic production of oil with incentives such as a streamlined permit process.  In addition, to scale back demand for oil, the proposal encourages vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells and increases funding for Department of Transportation work to improve fuel-efficiency standards.  Also, H.R. 6 promotes clean and renewable fuels, by providing incentives for clean coal technology and renewable energies such as biomass, wind, solar and hydroelectricity.