[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 25 (Wednesday, March 8, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S1326]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. JEFFORDS (for himself, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Kerry, Mr. 
        Kennedy, and Mr. Leahy):
  S. 2224. A bill to amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to 
encourage summer fill and fuel budgeting programs for propane, 
kerosene, and heating oil; to the Committee on Energy and Natural 
Resources.


             THE SUMMER FILL AND FUEL BUDGETING ACT OF 2000

  Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Summer 
Fill and Fuel Budgeting Act of 2000.
  This winter's fuel crisis will be etched on the memories of New 
Englanders for many years to come. Price spikes and low inventories 
have hit Vermonters hard. Schools closed down, oil dealers were driven 
out of business, and many low income families were forced to choose 
between heating their homes and purchasing necessary food and 
prescription medications. The region's Senators have focused with a 
single-mindedness on the seriousness of the situation and the dire need 
to ensure that it is never repeated.
  There have been many letters written, emergency funds released, 
meetings held, and legislative initiatives discussed. Today after weeks 
of diligent research and careful analysis, I am introducing the Summer 
Fill and Fuel Budgeting Act of 2000. Senators Joe Lieberman, John 
Kerry, Ted Kennedy, and Patrick Leahy are joining me as original co-
sponsors.
  The legislation is a critical long term education initiative. Its 
purpose is to educate our constituents about the benefits of filling 
their propane, kerosene and heating oil tanks in the summer and 
entering into annual fuel budget contracts. The legislation authorizes 
$25 million for Fiscal Year 2001, and such sums in each fiscal year 
thereafter, for the states to use to develop education and outreach 
programs to encourage consumers to fill their fuel storage facilities 
during the summer months. It also promotes the use of budget plans, 
price cap arrangements, fixed-price contracts and other advantageous 
financial arrangements to help avoid severe seasonal price increases 
for and supply shortages of propane, kerosene, and heating oil.
  I believe that we must work with retailers and consumers to implement 
these types of proactive measures to ensure that our fuel supply, as 
well as the health and safety of millions of Americans, is not subject 
to the whims of foreign oil producing countries. I invite other 
Senators, concerned about the influence that major oil producing 
countries have on our economy and national security, to join me in 
cosponsoring this legislation.

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