WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma), a Senior Democrat on the U.S. House Science Subcommittee on Energy, made the following statement on the floor of the U.S. House in opposition to the Republican energy bill, H.R. 6:

 

“Mr. Speaker, the energy bill before us today is bad for the consumer, bad for the environment, and it does not make us energy independent or more secure as a nation. In fact, by promoting the interests of corporations over consumers, and pollution over conservation, this bill makes the United States much less secure.

 

“H.R. 6 will harm more than just our environment. In fact, America’s continued reliance on Middle East oil for the majority of our energy needs is a major factor contributing to our lack of national security.

 

“It’s time we stopped any effort to drill in ANWR, it is only a stop-gap measure. We need real energy independence that will only come about when we start focusing our efforts on clean, renewable sources of energy, conservation and energy efficiency.

 

“It would be hypocritical for anyone who cares about our nation’s well-being to vote for this legislation. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting against it.”