As we head into this summer's Congressional debate on energy policy, it makes sense to consider the role that renewable energy and energy efficiency measures can play to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, benefit our economy, and improve our environment.

The increased use of renewable and energy-efficient technologies in this country will help lessen our dependence on imported energy and employ more Americans in the manufacture, installation, operation and maintenance of these domestically developed technologies. Greater energy independence will help reduce our national trade deficit, as less money will be spent on imported fuels. Indeed, renewable and energy-efficient technologies represent a rapidly growing American export market.

We should encourage environmentally responsible development of all U.S. energy resources, including renewable energy. Renewable energy technologies approach zero emissions for many pollutants, while energy efficiency technologies produce an immediate and tangible reduction in emissions. Avoiding pollution through these clean energy sources is almost always cheaper than the alternative of prescriptive government mandates.

Importantly, renewable energy and efficiency benefits Tennessee. Oak Ridge National Laboratory's basic and applied R&D programs create scientific knowledge and technological solutions that strengthen the nation's leadership in clean and abundant energy. Among Oak Ridge's many areas of technology leadership are R&D of advanced renewable and energy-efficient technologies for the building, industrial, transportation and utility sectors, as well as innovative new bio-energy technologies.

Since 1996, the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus has been an influential voice of reason in the energy debate, with 187 Members in the 107th Congress and greater bipartisan support than nearly any other caucus in the House of Representatives. As co-chair for the 107th Congress, I will work to raise awareness about clean energy issues in the Congress and will work to achieve bipartisan progress.