WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Randy Neugebauer (TX-19) reluctantly voted against H.R. 6, the Energy Independence and Security Act. H.R. 6 increases in the size of government to fund dozens of new programs at the expense of other reliable energy producers, while raising taxes and creating mandates for both the federal government and the private sector that are simply unrealistic.

“I have been steadfast in my commitment to create a sound energy policy for this country. Energy security is national security, and we must take calculated steps to reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy whose governments do not share America’s interests,” Neugebauer stated. ”While Congress had an opportunity to pass a realistic energy policy, this bill does not get the job done.”

This legislation calls for a $21.5 billion tax increase over ten years that increases taxes on current reliable energy sources to provide for tax breaks to less predictable sources of energy. In addition, it mandates an extensive increase in renewable electricity production, putting an unfair burden on states that are not as rich in renewable energy resources as Texas. The federal government should not be in the business of choosing winners and losers; that is the job of the free market system.

“I support new sources of renewable energy such as the wind energy and ethanol production we have in Texas and believe they have limitless potential. However, the mandates in this bill are too tall of an order and will only harm the long-term expansion of renewable energy production while raising costs for consumers. Excluding production and expansion of traditional fossil fuels before these alternative sources are capable of providing the amount of energy we need to sustain our nation’s energy requirements is irresponsible policy.

“Now is the time to pursue both paths of energy; renewable and traditional. We must continue to explore and utilize America’s abundant resources of natural gas, coal, and oil in areas such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the Outer Continental Shelf. At the same time, Congress must increase our refining capacity and expand our nuclear power capabilities. By following both of these different but equally important energy sources, America can rely on an energy policy that will provide for our continued security,” Neugebauer concluded.