[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 112 (Friday, August 3, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1562]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              SECURING AMERICA'S FUTURE ENERGY ACT OF 2001

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                               speech of

                          HON. JAMES A. LEACH

                                of Iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 1, 2001

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill. (H.R. 4) to 
     enhance energy conservation, research and development and to 
     provide for security and diversity in the energy supply for 
     the American people, and for other purposes.

  Mr. LEACH. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the 
amendment.
  There is a great deal at stake in this controversy.
  First is the damage that will be done to the environment by air 
pollution if the most populous state in the union is given an exemption 
from the oxygenate requirement under the reformulated gasoline program.
  Second is the setback which will be given to our efforts to become 
more energy self-sufficient if this waiver is granted.
  Third is the blow such a waiver will deal to the Midwest economy.
  Any rational national energy policy must include the development and 
usage of alternative sources of fuel--from wind to water, sun to corn 
and beans--need to be explored, cultivated and implemented more 
rigorously. This amendment would move our energy policy in precisely 
the opposite direction.
  From a Midwest view ethanol production provides a much-needed boost 
for the rural Midwestern economy. The USDA has determined ethanol 
production adds 25 to 30 cents to the price of a bushel of corn, and, 
according to a Midwestern Governor's Conference report, adds $4.5 
billion to farm revenue annually, creates 195,200 jobs, brings in $450 
million in state tax revenues, improves our balance of trade by $2 
billion, and saves the federal Treasury $3.6 billion annually.
  Promoting the use of ethanol in reformulated gasoline makes good 
sense environmentally, geostrategically and economically.
  Again, I urge a no vote on this amendment.

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