[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 148 (Wednesday, November 30, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: November 30, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                E X T E N S I O N   O F   R E M A R K S


       INTRODUCING THE TAXPAYER RELIEF AND SAFE PORTS ACT OF 1994

                                 ______


                            HON. BOB FRANKS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 1994

  Mr. FRANKS of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the 
Taxpayer Relief and Safe Ports Act of 1994. Joining me as original 
cosponsors of this legislation are Mr. Frank, Mr. Zimmer, Mr. 
Torricelli, Mr. Payne of New Jersey, Mr. Saxton, and Mr. Pallone. The 
need for this legislation has become ever more apparent over the course 
of this past Congress.
  As you may know, Mr. Speaker, the Environmental Protection Agency 
[EPA] has announced that they intend to begin mandating the use of a 
particular additive, ethanol and ethanol derivatives, in motor fuels. 
Unfortunately, this decision represents the triumph of political, not 
environmental, considerations. This proposal, which was opposed by the 
Sierra Club and the Environmental Defense Fund, will prove to be a 
tremendous windfall for ethanol producers and suppliers. However, it 
will do nothing to clean our air.
  This mandate would add approximately $300 million to the coffers of 
the U.S. ethanol industry, an industry that already enjoys a $600 
million yearly Federal tax subsidy. In sum, it will cost American 
consumers up to 15 cents per gallon, while doing nothing to improve the 
environment.
  Fortunately, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 
District of Columbia Circuit recently ruled that the new regulation 
should be delayed until a lawsuit challenging the program is resolved 
early next year. I intend to use this temporary reprieve to repeal the 
Federal agricultural tax subsidy for ethanol produced for motor fuel 
uses.
  One-half of the new revenues generated from removing this special 
interest tax break will be applied directly toward deficit reduction. 
The remaining funds will help finance the research, development, and 
construction of dredged material decontamination technologies and 
facilities. This proposal makes environmental sense and will allow for 
the continued economic vitality of our Nation's ports and harbors by 
ensuring that necessary deepening operations can be maintained.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this important 
legislation. While it will not pass in this Congress, I am hopeful that 
similar legislation will be passed early next year. American consumers 
shouldn't have to pay more at the pump for an expensive mandate that 
will not improve our Nation's air quality.

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