[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 160 (Thursday, November 6, 2003)]
[House]
[Page H10461]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    SAVING ENERGY AND TAXPAYER MONEY

  (Mr. MURPHY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. MURPHY. Mr. Speaker, as the cold of winter approaches also comes 
homeowners' concern for rising heating costs. It is important that the 
Federal Government take some leads in helping to deal with the supply 
and demand issues.
  The Federal Government is the largest single user of energy in the 
world, spending $10 billion per year for its buildings. Despite past 
efforts, however, energy consumption is still too high, using old, 
inefficient technology. Only nine agencies since 1929 have reported 
energy savings in trying to save costs. The Alliance to Save Energy 
estimates at least 1 billion in taxpayer dollars is still being wasted. 
Some estimates are higher. For example, military bases can save 
millions in energy costs by replacing old, failing boilers and heating 
systems with energy-efficient models.
  The energy bill that will soon be taken up by the House will take an 
important step to increase energy efficiency by requiring a 20 percent 
energy consumption reduction in the next decade. This is a vital 
provision, one that will save mass amounts of taxpayer money, conserve 
energy, help save energy costs for our Nation.
  Let us stop the waste and start conserving for our future.

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