Clean Energy Act

Mr. Speaker. Two weeks ago we passed legislation to end the culture of corruption in Congress. Today we consider legislation to reverse some of the harmful consequences of that corruption. H.R. 6, the Clean Energy Act, will repeal $14 billion in tax reductions, subsidies and other outrageous benefits given to the Big Oil companies. Many of these measures were included in legislation that was written in backroom and late-night meetings. With the passage of our ethics reforms and this bill, we are fulfilling our responsibility to the American people to clean up Congress and reverse the past lapses that led us to where we are. But Mr. Speaker, this legislation not only repeals the excesses given to the oil companies, our bill uses this money to create a Strategic Renewable Energy Reserve. This will invest in clean, renewable energy resources and alternative fuels, promote new energy technologies, develop greater efficiency and improve energy conservation. Investing in alternative and renewable energies and efficiency is not only about protecting the environment and homeland security, it's about promoting new industries and creating jobs. This type of new investment will help create jobs and support industries in Northeast Ohio, where we are already working on new energy technologies through organizations like the Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition, which is working to strengthen Ohio's fuel cell industry. I'm proud to say that this coalition includes the University of Akron and Lorain County Community College in my congressional district. This investment in new energy technology, combined with new incentives and initiatives to make higher education more accessible, will help ensure that our students have the education and skills necessary for the jobs of the future. That's what we are doing here today. Eliminating the abuses of the past and investing in our nation's future. Let's pass the Clean Energy Act. Thank you.