Speech/Statement |
Media Contact: Marion Read 202.225.3665 | ||
THE HONORABLE MICHAEL A. ARCURI
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I thank the gentleman from Tennessee for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the CLEAN Energy Act of 2007. My constituents in Upstate New York are reminded of high energy prices every time they receive their home heating bills. But even more so during these frigid winter months. They also know that energy prices will continue to soar if we do not act now to reduce our dependence on oil and other fossil fuels. However, we must address our long-term energy demands with more than just short-term solutions like drilling for oil. We have to face facts: oil is a finite resource. We ought to be investing in a wide-array of cleaner, renewable forms of energy, like wind, solar, cellulosic ethanol and expanded hydroelectric generation. The giveaways this legislation will reclaim from the oil and gas industry will be placed into a “Renewable Energy Account” to fund research and development of alternative fuels – providing a much-needed new direction to address our nation’s growing energy needs. It is important to note that we do not pass this legislation today for ourselves, but rather that we do it for our children and our children’s children. Thank you. I yield back the balance of my time.
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