[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 41 (Thursday, March 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E472]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 THE CUNNINGHAM/MARKEY EFFICIENT ENERGY THROUGH CERTIFIED TECHNOLOGIES 
                              ACT OF 2003

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 2003

  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Efficient 
Energy Through Certified Technologies, EFFECT, Act of 2003. I am joined 
in this effort by a substantial and diverse coalition of my colleagues 
including Mr. Markey of Massachusetts, Mr. Crane of Illinois, Mr. 
Matsui of California, as well as Senator Snowe of Maine and Senator 
Feinstein of California. This bill is supported by a strong coalition 
of industries and organizations.
  In the 1990s, San Diego alone experienced a 10.2 percent increase in 
population. This number is expected to rise even further in the next 
ten years. With such a significant rise in population, comes the need 
for additional housing. Congressman Markey and I have created 
legislation that would give builders and consumers a reason to 
construct housing and purchase equipment that not only saves the 
consumer money in the long run, but also helps save energy. This 
legislation offers tax incentives to encourage the production and sale 
of technologically advanced, energy-efficient buildings and equipment.
  My constituents in San Diego suffered through the Energy Crisis 
during the summer of 2001. The aftershocks of the rolling blackouts and 
outrageously high energy prices are still being felt. While my 
colleagues from San Diego and I are still seeking ways to prevent this 
terrible crisis from happening again, I am introducing this bill in an 
effort to formulate a long-term energy plan.
  Buildings account for over $250 billion of energy use annually, more 
than half of peak electric demand, and 35 percent of air pollution 
emissions. Tax incentives for buildings and their major equipment can 
reduce energy use anywhere from 30 percent to 50 percent, and help to 
improve air quality. The incentives will reduce peak power demand, 
which can diffuse the risk of blackouts and high electricity prices. 
Peak power shortages cost California $15 billion in 2000 alone.
  This legislation is performance based, not cost based. One dollar of 
federal tax incentives for energy efficiency offered today will not be 
paid until January-April 2004, but manufacturers will respond to the 
incentives by investing in production facilities for more efficient 
products immediately.
  The legislation is structured to promote the creation of competitive 
markets for new technologies and designs that are not widely available 
today, but have the possibility of being cost effective to the consumer 
in the future.
  Please join me in supporting the EFFECT Act which will provide for a 
cleaner environment and help reduce energy needs, thus postponing the 
need for building new power plants as well as helping to save our 
environment.

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