REDUCES DEPENDENCY ON IMPORTED ENERGY SOURCES, PROMOTES RENEWABLE AND CLEAN FUEL TECHNOLOGIES

Washington, Jul 28, 2005 - "Oil prices are at record levels and our nation's dependence on imports is growing; we need this comprehensive national energy policy," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "Currently, the U.S. imports about 60 percent of its oil, much of it from the Middle East. The Department of Energy projects this number will increase to 73 percent by the year 2025. In addition, we need a bill that encourages new technologies to reduce the demand for oil, such as vehicles power by hydrogen fuel cells."

Stearns was appointed by the Speaker of the House to work with Senate and other House members on developing a final version of energy legislation. Today, the House approved H.R. 6, the Energy Policy Act of 2005. During negotiations with the Senate, Stearns worked to remove the provision requiring a comprehensive survey of all offshore oil and gas resources. "I am concerned that this inventory could lead to offshore development in waters where states oppose it, including Florida," stated Stearns. Although these attempts were voted down, House leaders expressed their intention to work with Stearns on a plan allowing Florida and other states to opt out of the inventory.

The Energy Policy Act of 2005:

* Encourages domestic production of oil by streamlining the permit process, promoting greater refining capacity, and curbing the proliferation of boutique fuels;
* Reduces the demand for oil by increasing funding to improve fuel efficiency standards and encouraging the development of alternative sources of energy;
* Boosts production of clean natural gas to help lower soaring prices;
* Improves our nation's electricity transmission capability and reliability to prevent future blackouts;
* Promotes clean and renewable fuels by providing incentives for clean coal technology and other fuels such as biomass, wind, solar, and hydroelectricity;
* Encourages conservation by establishing new mandatory efficiency requirements for federal buildings, greater efficiency standards and product labeling for batter chargers, refrigerators, freezers, unit heaters, and other household products.