Being raised in the mountains of Western North Carolina I spent much of my time outdoors, camping, hunting, and fishing. Through these experiences I gained a deep appreciation and a great respect for our environment. Now, as a member of the House of Representatives, I am working hard to make certain that future generations have a safe, clean, and sustainable environment. As a member of the Committee on Natural Resources, I have been a strong supporter of initiatives to reduce America’s dependence on fossil fuels, protect our National Parks and Forests, and reduce global warming emissions. There is an old Cherokee saying that guides my beliefs on the environment: we do not receive the Earth from the previous generation, we are borrowing it form the next generation.

National Lands:

Over the last several years the Bush Administration has proposed selling off hundreds of thousands of National Forests. These National Forests are really national treasures. North Carolina alone would have lost 5,685 acres of National Forest. I joined with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to fight this senseless sale, and we were successful.

Energy Policy

Ensuring America’s energy independence is one of the most important and pressing issues facing our Nation. America must lead the world in the use, development, and production of renewable energies to reduce global warming and end our reliance on foreign oil. We can no longer afford to depend solely on fossil fuels, like petroleum, to drive our economy and generate our energy. Our Nation’s energy policy must be focused on securing our long-term energy future and being good stewards of God’s creation, not protecting the profits of Big Oil companies. Our path to energy independence is efficiency, innovation and ingenuity -- not more drilling. I have been working diligently with my colleagues in Congress to achieve that goal.

Energy Independence

The first session of the 110th Congress passed the Energy Independence and Security Act, H.R. 6, which will make historic investments in biofuels and new energy technologies and take important steps toward making America energy in dependent, curbing global warming, and developing America’s economy through renewable energy.

One of the biggest victories in the Energy Bill was carbon emission reduction and an increase in the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) standard, which requires auto manufacturers to produce vehicles that, on average, can drive 35 miles per gallon of gasoline by the year 2020.  Despite improvements in vehicle and fuel technology, this national average had not been increased since the 1970’s.  Various aspects of vehicle technology research and development will also be funded through a grant program included in the Energy Bill.

Additionally, the Energy Bill provides funding for increased production of biofuels, placing emphasis on improvements to infrastructure and the development of more efficient production processes that utilize cellulose. The Energy Bill makes great strides in promoting renewable energy generation from sources like solar, wind, and geothermal.

I also introduced legislation that became part of the Energy Bill to help our small businesses become more energy efficient. This legislation – H.R. 2389, the Small Energy Efficient Business Act – was designed to help small businesses develop energy efficient practices and spur investment in the production of alternative energy by small businesses by expanding the Small Business Investment Corporation. Additionally, it created the Renewable Fuel Capital Investment (RFCI) program, an initiative designed to help small firms develop renewable energy sources and new technologies. These measures will benefit consumer and producers, by reducing costs and increasing competition in the market for energy efficient goods and services.

The road to energy independence will require us to use the natural, renewable resources that surround us and our most limitless resources – American ingenuity and our entrepreneurial spirit.

PHOTO GALLERY

Congressman Shuler chairs a hearing in the Small Business Subcommittee on Rural and Urban Entrepreneurship

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