Dear Editor:
 
This is a warning to all taxpayers: Stay out of the summer heat and keep close tabs on your money. On August 2, 2001, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4, the so-called “Securing America’s Future Energy Act.”  H.R. 4 provides no real relief to consumers from high energy bills, while guaranteeing billions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies to big oil and big gas that gave millions in campaign contributions last election to President Bush and the Republicans in Congress.

It is unconscionable that the Congress would give away $36.4 billion of your money to oil, gas, nuclear and electric utility industries at the expense of Medicare, the environment and a long term sustainable energy policy, and at a time when some elderly residents of the city are struggling through the 100 degree weather without air conditioners.

I voted against H.R. 4 because it is an irresponsible and cynical approach to the energy situation in this country.  It will endanger the environment and our economy.  I joined with a number of my colleagues and voted against drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and in support of increasing emission standards.  Unfortunately, those efforts were unsuccessful.

I am hopeful that the Senate will reject this measure and pass a responsible energy policy to bring immediate relief to consumers; to improve energy efficiency; to expand renewable energy; and to increase investments in conservation and alternative energy.  It’s not too late.