CONGRESSMAN HANK JOHNSON

Georgia's Fourth Congressional District

Rep. Hank Johnson Votes for Most Comprehensive Energy Legislation in Two Decades

September 17, 2008

WASHINGTON -- Yesterday, against the background of sky-rocketing gas prices, a looming recession and the worst economic picture since the Great Depression, Congressman Hank Johnson voted for the nation’s first comprehensive energy legislation in nearly a generation. “This legislation is the result of serious work on the part of Democrats to bring down gas prices now and invest in a clean renewable energy future,” said Congressman Johnson.

HR 6899, a bi-partisan bill resulted from compromise on both sides of the aisle. This bill is in strong contrast to a Republican-supported bill which focused solely on a mis-guided attempt to drill out of the current energy crisis while handing-out taxpayer-funded giveaways to big oil companies.
   
“This energy bill will provide us with an American-owned energy policy that the Bush-McCain Republicans have failed to deliver in the past eight years,” Rep. Johnson said.

“If anyone seriously believes in the short-sighted and irresponsible policy of --- drill, drill, drill--- then I have a bridge in Alaska I’d like to sell them,” said Congressman Johnson.   “I am proud of my colleagues who had the best interests of average Americans at heart.  They did not fall victim to empty, partisan rhetoric.  We can take pride that we have done more to secure America’s energy future in two years than the Bush-McCain energy policies did in eight,” continued Congressman Johnson.
 
In return for opening more offshore areas for drilling, HR 6899 requires oil companies to pay their fair share.  Rep. Johnson noted, “With this bill, we are making a historic commitment to a renewable energy future and jobs.  This bill puts us on the path to energy independence, protects consumers, strengthens our national security and helps reduce global warming---all bipartisan goals and key ingredients of a comprehensive national energy strategy.”