Energy

"Our economy is driven by energy, so we must make sure that we have the clean, domestic energy sources that we need for a 21st century economy. Our children should not be burdened by a damaged environment, nor should they be dependent on foreign sources for their energy. I am working to develop renewable energy and new technologies in the United States, and to make our nation the economic powerhouse in this important industry." – Congressman Adam Schiff

Topics in the section:

• Renewable Energy

• The Price of Gas

• Offshore Drilling

Renewable Energy

As a member of the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, Congressman Schiff has long advocated for increased investments in alternative energy and the development of energy efficient technology. Today, European and Asian competitors are developing technologies that will reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions of greenhouse gases. Rather than American entrepreneurs, it is our competitors who are prospering from these developments. By marshalling America’s great strengths – our innovativeness, our technological prowess, and our entrepreneurial spirit –Schiff believes that we can better secure our nation, save the environment, and become the world leader in a cutting-edge industry.

On the first day of the 111th Congress, Schiff introduced H.R. 175, a bill to expand the ability of the Federal Government to purchase cheap renewable energy. The Federal government is currently prohibited from signing energy contracts for more than 10 years, which prevents the government from taking advantage of a thriving private market in renewable energy. Many private installers sign agreements with homeowners, businesses, and local and state government agencies to install solar, geothermal or wind energy on their premises, recouping the cost with a 20- or 30-year agreement to buy power, often at lower-than-market rates. Unfortunately, to get the cheapest rates, these agreements must stretch to 20 years. H.R. 175 fixed this problem and was included in the American Clean Energy and Security Act, which passed the House on June 26, 2009.

The American Clean Energy and Security Act was a ground-breaking effort to provide energy independence and fight global warming while keeping energy prices low. Unfortunately, it did not pass the Senate in the 111th Congress.

Schiff continues to fight to keep the renewable energy industry growing in America, and particularly in California, by supporting tax credits and loan guarantees for renewable energy research and development at the Department of Energy that will provide new avenues to affordable and homegrown green energy. He has also opposed efforts to strip the Environmental Protection Agency of its authority to regulate air pollution, which would harm countless families across the country, and particularly those in metropolitan areas like Los Angeles that suffer from the terrible effects of air pollution.

The Price of Gas

The price of gasoline has risen dramatically in the last few years. Although there are many reasons that oil prices have risen, including conflict in the Middle East and increased demand from the developing world, Schiff believes that the record high profits of oil companies—some posting the highest quarterly profits of any company in history—are exacerbating the problem. He has voted to bring the Federal Price Gouging Prevention Act to the House Floor, which would make it easier for the government to prosecute companies that take unfair advantage of unusual market conditions. Unfortunately, this bill has yet to be considered in the House.

Schiff believes that the best way to lower energy prices permanently is to invest in alternative fuels and fuel efficiency. He has advocated for increased fuel economy standards for many years, and is working to strengthen a Department of Energy program to provide loan guarantees for the manufacturing of advanced technology vehicles here in the U.S.

Offshore Drilling

The Deepwater Horizon disaster demonstrated that offshore drilling is still a risky and dangerous endeavor. Schiff believes that renewable energy, sustainable development and hybrid vehicles will provide for more energy security and lower prices than any amount of offshore drilling. He strongly opposes opening up the California coast to drilling, and voted against H.R. 1229 in May 2011, a bill that would make drilling safety regulations weaker than even before the Deepwater Horizon spill and allow drilling off the coast of California.

Additional resources:

House Energy and Commerce Committee

Department of Energy