[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 93 (Friday, June 29, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1281]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   ``RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY ACT OF 2001'' (``REEA'')

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 28, 2001

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, this week I introduced the ``Renewable 
Energy and Energy Efficiency Act of 2001'' (``REEA''). This bill is a 
blueprint for the House Science Committee as we develop legislative 
priorities for the renewable energy and energy efficiency programs at 
the Department of Energy (DOE). The Committee's role in the national 
energy debate is unique, because we are required to envision the future 
energy needs of our country, and determine the direction of DOE's 
research, development and demonstration (RD&D) programs. As the Ranking 
Member on the Science Committee's Energy Subcommittee, this bill is my 
statement on our priorities.
  We must establish a more level playing field for renewable energy 
sources, so we can reduce our reliance on coal and fossil fuels. We 
must encourage the development of `green industries' through increased 
emphasis on energy efficiency technologies. We must expand those energy 
sources that will contribute to a more sustainable, long-term energy 
future. Increased federal investment in renewable energy sources and 
energy efficiency technologies is smart public policy because for every 
dollar invested in current DoE sustainable energy programs, the 
benefits total $200.
  My vision for our energy future is that by the year 2020, twenty 
percent of our energy will be generated from renewable sources. 
Environmental groups agree, because we cannot continue to focus our 
priorities on limited fossil fuel sources. Unfortunately, our federal 
commitment to the RD&D programs that will help us meet this goal has 
declined significantly since 1980. This bill is a bold effort to 
reverse this funding scenario by outlining a robust R&D program and 
fund an aggressive energy efficiency agenda.
  The comment I've heard most often from the renewable energy community 
is that a critical element of any successful R&D program is a stable 
funding stream that gradually increases over time. That's why over the 
next five fiscal years, ``REEA'' authorizes total funding for DoE 
renewable energy programs at $3.735 billion, and energy efficiency at 
$5.185 billion with an additional $300 million for NASA to work on 
aircraft energy efficiency. If Americans are to have a secure energy 
future, with reliable, clean and environmentally-friendly energy 
sources, we must invest in renewable energy sources and make great 
strides in energy efficiency, so we can reduce our overall energy 
consumption. This means increasing support for wind, solar, geothermal 
and biomass energy sources.
  We must also ensure that promising renewable energy and energy 
efficient technologies, like hydrogen fuel cells, are given 
commercialization assistance so that individual consumers can afford to 
use them. My bill establishes a competitive grant program at DoE so 
that private sector entities can help advance development of new 
technologies. Many creative and entrepreneurial individuals need only 
access to financial assistance to demonstrate the successful 
application of their renewable energy or energy efficiency technology. 
That's why this bill directs that at least fifty percent of the $1 
billion provided for such assistance goes to small businesses and 
startup companies.
  Mr. Speaker, for too long we have overlooked renewable energy sources 
when setting our energy priorities. Now is the time for a responsible 
energy policy that makes significant investments in clean energy 
sources to supplement current energy supply. We must ensure that we 
prevent a repeat of the energy shortages Californians and West Coast 
residents now face. ``REEA'' will be a big step toward protecting our 
environment, and guaranteeing a better future for our children.

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