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February 19, 2007
Rhinebeck, New York- Today Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand held her second town hall forum at the Rhinebeck Town Hall in Rhinebeck, NY. The Congresswoman was on hand to report on the 110th Congress and their aggressive schedule in regards to Energy Independence Legislation. The Town Hall was filled with local residents who came out to meet her and ask questions regarding Energy Issues that affect their community. Before her election Congresswoman Gillibrand promised to hold one town hall meeting a month open to the public and the media. The Invited Speakers included, Tom Congdon, Governor Spitzer’s Special Assistant on Energy, Ron Kamen, Founding Partner of EarthKind Energy and Director of Starphire New Energy Technologies, Dr. Larry P. Walker Ph.d, Cornell University—an expert on biofuels, and Patrice Courtney, Community Outreach Coordinator from NYSERDA. During the forum guests were provided information on how to save money on their energy and gas bills and take advantage of state and federal tax incentives for using energy efficient products. "Now more than ever, it is clear that so many people are concerned about this country’s dependence on foreign oil and are taking steps to be as informed as possible, take on best practices for energy efficiency, and truly know what is at stake. Energy Independence must be a priority in Congress and I intend to advocate for our families in upstate New York." The Congresswoman also spoke about a bill she co-sponsored that passed overwhelmingly; HR 6 – The CLEAN Energy Act of 2007. That bill rescinded huge tax subsidies to the oil and gas industries, and reinvested that money in research and development of clean, renewable energy. Rep. Gillibrand believes that at a time when the oil companies are posting record profits they do not need to be subsidized with taxpayer dollars. Instead we can use that money to invest in clean, renewable energy sources and promoting new energy technology. Last month, Representative Gillibrand held her first Town Hall Forum at a VFW Hall in Saratoga Springs. These issue-focused forums are being planned throughout the 20th Congressional District. Other outreach programs, include Congress At Your Corner events at local grocery stores, bookstores, and places where people across the 10 different counties the Congresswoman represents eat, shop, and move through their daily and busy lives. # # # |