Making America More Energy Efficient

MAKING AMERICA MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT -- (House of Representatives - June 16, 2004)

(Mr. BLUMENAUER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, I listened to my colleague from Louisiana's impassioned point, and I happen to agree that there are things we need to do with this devastating coastal erosion in Louisiana. But the way that we go about that and the way we deal with some of our significant energy problems is not simply ritually repassing an inadequate and failed energy policy that has already stalled in the other body.

It does not have to be this hard. We do not have to hold good ideas hostage. The wind energy production tax credit would pass in a heartbeat; energy grid reliability would be massively supported; increased fuel efficiency standards are long overdue; and, yes, maybe even some assistance for the coastal erosion.

Hopefully, after we get past this week's ritual repassage and the beating of our gums, I hope the House will return to enact simple, common sense proposals that will make America more energy efficient without compromising the environment, and make our families safer, healthier and more economically secure.

END