[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E562]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 INTRODUCTION OF ENERGY TAX LEGISLATION

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                            HON. MAX SANDLIN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 25, 2003

  Mr. SANDLIN. Mr. Speaker, one of the greatest problems facing the 
United States today is our lack of national energy independence.
  The United States' dependence upon foreign sources of oil is simply 
unacceptable for a country rich in natural resources and equipped with 
the capability to develop these resources as a means of increasing our 
national security. At the height of the energy crisis during the 1970s, 
the United States imported 46 percent of our oil supply. Today, it is 
estimated that we import approximately 55 percent of all energy used in 
this country. As America's energy consumption increases, our need to 
produce more energy rises as well. Unfortunately, supply is not meeting 
demand, and our increased reliance on foreign sources of energy has 
potentially disastrous consequences for our national security.
  At the same time, we have to acknowledge that energy independence 
cannot be attained through production alone. Though Congress should 
strongly encourage the production of energy sources as diverse as oil, 
gas, wind and solar power, we should also encourage the increased 
conservation of energy.
  I believe the United States needs a balanced, forward-looking energy 
policy for the 2lst century. For this reason, today I am introducing 
legislation that will provide needed incentives for the increased 
production of oil, natural gas, wind and solar power by our small, 
independent producers, as well as measures to encourage increased 
conservation of energy.
  My bill would provide tax incentives for independent oil and gas 
producers to maintain production from marginal wells and develop 
nonconventional fuel sources such as coalbed methane and natural gas 
from tight sands formations. Further, my legislation would spur 
development of energy from renewable sources by providing a tax credit 
for residential solar energy production and electricity generation from 
wind and other sources.
  Any balanced energy plan must acknowledge that Americans need to 
increase our conservation efforts in an attempt to move closer to 
energy independence. To that end, my legislation would provide 
incentives to homeowners to make energy efficient home improvements 
that decrease their consumption of energy.
  Additionally, my legislation would encourage the production of cars 
powered by fuel cells and hybrid engines. Fuel cell technology holds 
enormous potential for the future, and the Federal Government has an 
important role to play in the development and use of this clean, 
renewable energy source.
  The United States will not achieve energy independence overnight, and 
we must acknowledge that it will take years before America attains a 
greater level of energy independence. My legislation will move our 
country in the right direction and bring us closer to the day when we 
can reduce our dependence upon foreign sources of energy and increase 
our national energy independence.

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