Tucson lawmaker calls bill a bold step in ending our dependence on foreign oil, increasing national security and advancing the use of clean, renewable sources of energy
WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is hailing passage of compromise energy legislation that helps end our nation's dependence on foreign oil, increase national security and advance the use of clean, renewable sources of energy like solar.
"The House of Representatives today agreed on a bold response to one of the most pressing challenges of our time," the Tucson lawmaker said. "We adopted a common sense policy to secure America's energy independence."
The Comprehensive American Energy Security & Consumer Protection Act, H.R. 6899, passed the House this evening in a 236-189 vote.
H.R. 6899 addresses America's short- and long-term energy needs. The long-term solutions include extending the solar investment tax credit for eight years, expanding domestic energy production by encouraging responsible drilling on the outer continental shelf, and requiring oil companies to drill on 68 million acres of federal lands on which they are already allowed to drill but do not. The short-term solutions include releasing a limited amount of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve onto the open market.
"This bill goes beyond bumper sticker slogans," said Giffords. "It goes beyond empty, careless rhetoric and offers Americans a realistic approach to the energy crisis confronting our country."
"I am particularly pleased that this bill contains an eight-year extension of the solar investment tax credit," Giffords said on the floor of the House this evening prior to the vote. "Solar power represents one of our nation's best hopes for a clean, secure and sustainable energy future. It will provide powerful economic benefits to my district in Southern Arizona and to the rest of the country."
Click here for a link of Giffords' remarks.
Giffords, a member of House Science & Technology Committee, has fought for the extension of the investment tax credits since last year. The tax credits are available to homeowners and businesses that invest in solar power equipment and, according to an independent study, could help create more than 440,000 permanent jobs and attract $232 billion in investments through 2016.
Among the recipients of the tax credits would be the Arizona utility APS, which has proposed building the largest solar plant in the world 70 miles southwest of Phoenix. The $1 billion plant would provide power to about 70,000 homes but it will not be built without extension of the tax credits. Under current law, the tax credit is scheduled to expire at the end of 2008.
Giffords also emphasized that H.R. 6899 is fiscally responsible. "As a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, I am part of a group of lawmakers that has held the line on having an energy package that is paid for and does not add to our growing national debt. H.R. 6899 accomplishes this by cutting tax subsidies to the oil and gas companies that are making record profits. They do not need support from the American taxpayer."
H.R. 6899 now goes before the Senate and Giffords is urging her colleagues in the other chamber to follow the House lead and approve the bill.
"The House is sending a smart, balanced and fiscally responsible energy package to the Senate,"Giffords said. "They should not drop the ball. The need for energy independence is too serious for games and stall tactics."