[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 73 (Thursday, May 15, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E974]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN SUPPORT OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY LEGISLATION

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                             HON. LEE TERRY

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 2003

  Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to introduce an 
important energy efficiency bill, along with Representatives Engel, 
Bilirakis, Graves, Kilpatrick, and others. The aim of this legislation 
is to bring real energy savings to homeowners and businesses, while 
increasing U.S. energy security.
  Specifically, this legislation would provide a tax credit for the use 
of Energy Star-qualified heating and cooling systems and windows. As 
you know, the Department of Energy's Energy Star program endorses 
products and appliances that meet high energy efficiency standards. 
Last year alone, with the help of the Energy Star program, Americans 
saved enough energy to power 10 million homes--saving energy consumers 
approximately $6 billion. Obviously, the Energy Star program is worthy 
of our support.
  My bill will encourage further growth of smart, energy-conserving 
technology by making it more affordable. This legislation comes at a 
time when America can no longer afford to ignore its looming national 
energy crisis. Since the energy crisis of the 1970s, the United States 
has increased its energy use by 30 percent, while domestic energy 
production has increased only 14 percent. Even more troubling is the 
Department of Energy's predictions that, by 2020, U.S. energy 
consumption will increase 50 percent for natural gas, 43 percent for 
electricity, 35 percent for petroleum, and 22 percent for coal. The 
course we are on is unsustainable.
  There is no single silver bullet to solving our energy challenge. We 
need a three-pronged approach, which includes increasing domestic 
production; urging sensible conservation; and encouraging more energy 
efficiency. Unfortunately, energy efficiency is often the least 
emphasized and most overlooked approach to increasing U.S. energy 
independence.
  Innovations by private industry have greatly increased our energy 
efficiency over the past 20 or 30 years. Homes, offices and 
manufacturing plants now use about 25 percent less energy compared to 
20 years ago, due to more efficient appliances, equipment and 
construction. Today's best air conditioners use 50 percent less energy 
to produce the same amount of cooling as air conditioners built in the 
mid-1970s. This directly benefits our energy security and the 
environment.
  Last month, the House passed a comprehensive energy bill (H.R. 6) to 
help America meet its energy challenges. Included in the House energy 
bill is an $18 billion tax-incentive package that will boost energy 
efficiency for homes and businesses, encourage more generation from 
renewable energy, and further the development alternative energy 
sources. However, H.R. 6 does not address the Energy Star products in 
my legislation. Including the provisions of my bill in a comprehensive 
energy plan would help strengthen our nation's energy policy.
  The bottom line is that America can no longer afford to ignore its 
looming national energy crisis. My legislation can play a small but 
significant role in a balanced, realistic policy that produces more 
energy, protects the environment and expands our economy. I urge my 
colleagues to join me in cosponsoring this legislation.

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