[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 112 (Friday, August 3, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1568]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              SECURING AMERICA'S FUTURE ENERGY ACT OF 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    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. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Securing 
America's Future Energy Act of 2001 ( H.R. 4). H.R. 4 represents the 
first comprehensive national energy policy considered by this House in 
more than a decade. The President's energy policy will put in place a 
long-term plan that will provide power to America for generations to 
come.
  In my district in California, my family and my constituents are 
suffering from the dramatic rise in electricity prices. Sadly, we have 
learned the consequences of not having a long-term plan to produce 
energy. The failure of the last decade by the Clinton administration, 
combined with the failure of the Davis administration in California to 
develop a reasonable long-term energy plan, created this disaster.
  The failed policy they embraced is the policy of the radical 
environmentalists. These groups promote an energy plan based on 
fantasy. They oppose nuclear power, hydropower, oil, gas, coal, natural 
gas, and in some cases even wind power. They cling to the failed belief 
that we can magically make energy without action. There should be no 
question that this is a strategy of failure, of skyrocketing costs and 
blackouts.
  I support solar power. I believe that solar power research can and 
will help us address our future energy needs. Nevertheless, commercial 
solar power is not available today.
  I also believe that fusion power will help us meet our energy needs 
of the future. I am working closely with the gentlelady from 
California, Ms. Lofgren, in pushing a fusion energy research bill, 
which the Science Committee included in H.R. 4, that will set us on the 
course to commercial development of fusion power. But fusion power is 
not available today.
  I believe that conservation will help us solve our energy problems. 
Which is why I am the sponsor, with the gentleman from Massachusetts, 
Mr. Markey, of the Energy Efficient Buildings Incentives Act (H.R. 
778). This commonsense bipartisan bill provides incentives for 
conservation and energy efficiency. I am proud that portions of my bill 
are included in H.R. 4. I am also proud that the President's plan 
promotes responsible conservation methods.
  Yes, as we in California have learned, we must increase the supply of 
safe, reliable domestic energy while promoting a clean, safe and 
healthy environment. Our Nation's energy problems must be addressed by 
increasing supplies of traditional fossil fuels, developing alternative 
sources of energy, and improving conservation. It will not be easy and 
it will not be quick. However, we have the technology and the resources 
to meet our energy needs for decades, even centuries to come. At the 
same time, we can ensure a clean environment as a legacy for our 
children. The President's balanced, comprehensive national energy 
policy will strengthen our economy, lower consumer prices, create jobs 
and protect the environment. We should pass H.R. 4 today.

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