Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017

Floor Speech

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Mr. STIVERS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of my amendment, which would prohibit the Department of Energy funding from being used for the Cape Wind offshore wind generation project in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

I offered this amendment in last year's appropriation, and it was adopted by a voice vote, so I believe it should be fairly noncontroversial. I urge my colleagues to support the amendment.

Nearly 2 years ago, the Department of Energy offered conditional commitments for the Cape Wind project of a $150 million loan guarantee. Since that time, the project has been plagued by setbacks amid concerns about its impact on the environment, disruptions of safety for passenger aircraft, or just the high cost of electricity produced by the proposed facility. Last year, two of the State's utilities terminated contracts to purchase power from the wind farm, jeopardizing the viability of the project.

I believe we should encourage the development of all forms of energy. Renewable sources like wind power are important for our Nation's energy portfolio.

But this project, in particular, has a troubled history. This amendment seeks to ensure that the American taxpayers do not have to foot the bill if the project fails.

Mr. Chairman, I urge adoption of the amendment.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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