The Republican Policy Committee
Envisioned as the principal forum for the consideration of forward-looking legislative initiatives the Policy Committee is an important means for every member of the Conference to develop sound legislative ideas into meaningful legislation.

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Declaration of Independence...Energy Independence that Is

I think it's time that we level with the American public about this and be truthful about what we are trying to accomplish here. This bill has some good things in it, but it's not really addressing what we really need to be focused on right now. That is, the strategic management of our dependence over fossil fuels for the next 10 to 15 years as we transition.

We need to manage our strategic dependence on fossil fuels, a strategic dependence that we are going to have for the next 10, 15, maybe 20 years as these new technologies develop. Now, what does this bill do? It taxes U.S. companies working on production of oil, and making these companies less productive and less competitive, therefore, shifting more oil and gas activity into the hands of national oil companies that are not our friends. This will not bring down the price of oil and gas and not alleviate our energy concerns.

Secondly, it abrogates leases, very important leases in the Gulf of Mexico, with the stroke of a pen. Now, that's not the American way. That's not something that we would be proud of in this country, not something the American people would be proud of. It's certainly something that Hugo Chavez would be proud of.

Finally, I will say this bill is not technology neutral. It seeks to pick winners and losers and eliminates some very promising technology for alternatives fuels.

For that reason and many other reasons, I oppose this bill. I oppose the underlying bill with its tax provisions and urge all Members to think twice about this. We have to level with the American people about the energy situation and manage our strategic dependence and not deal with fantasy.

Posted by Congressman Charles Boustany (LA - 07) (08-09-2007, 01:17 PM) filed under HRPC Member

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