WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma), the top Democrat on the House Science Subcommittee on Energy, and her House and Senate colleagues on the Energy Bill Conference Committee today offered a comprehensive, bipartisan proposal on the research and development (R&D) portions of H.R. 4, the Energy Bill. Also known as the “Securing America’s Future Energy Act of 2001,” the bill is the first comprehensive national energy policy for the nation in a decade.

The R&D provisions would reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil by encouraging the development of new energy technologies, and by improving the efficiency of renewable energy sources. “This is so important because ‘energy,’ a subject long taken for granted, is now a matter of national security,” said Rep. Woolsey.

The following is an excerpt from her statement to the conferees:

“Every R&D measure I worked on with my fellow conferees in this bill takes a step to reduce our country’s dependence on foreign oil.

“It’s no secret that my home state of California has taken the lead and instituted the most forward thinking state energy policy in the nation. Through R&D, diligent conservation efforts and increasing reliance on renewable resources, California has blazed an unmistakable trail towards a sustainable energy future.

“As Members of Congress, we have been given the power to match such efforts on the national level. My constituents in Marin and Sonoma counties are demanding no less -- and, we owe it to our country as well as the environment. I’m proud that the renewable energy R&D provisions in H.R. 4 are a step in that direction.

“Our (the Science Committee’s) provisions in the R&D section authorize $2.5 billion over five years for renewable energy R&D. Of this, $756 million will go towards bioenergy. And, the authorization levels also recognize that a hydrogen-based economy is within arms reach.

“There can be no doubt that our work sends a clear message, we want clean and renewable energy alternatives and we want them now!”

The Conferees on H.R. 4, “Securing America’s Future Energy Act of 2001,” including Rep. Woolsey who is representing the House Science Committee, are part of a distinct group of congressional members who will negotiate between the House and Senate versions of the Energy Bill. The final version will then be sent to both chambers for approval, before submission to the President for signature.

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