[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 85 (Friday, June 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1155]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2004

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                               speech of

                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 15, 2004

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, while I am voting against the Energy 
Policy Act of 2004, I believe its provisions regarding alternative 
vehicles and fuels introduce valuable incentives that would help 
protect our air quality, limit fuel consumption, and reduce our 
dependence on foreign oil.
  These provisions would make the cleanest vehicles available today 
more affordable by providing a credit for the purchaser of new 
qualified fuel cell, hybrid, or other alternative fuel motor vehicle, 
as well as a new credit for qualified biodiesel fuel mixtures. With 
significant fuel economy and low tailpipe emissions, alternative-fuel 
and advanced-technology vehicles help to reduce greenhouse gas 
emissions and cut fuel consumption.
  What our country needs is a national energy policy that will promote 
conservation, and also improve our economy and reduce our growing 
dependence on foreign oil. We need a plan that safeguards our natural 
resources, and relies on energy efficiency and renewable energy. 
Encouraging Americans to drive environmentally friendly vehicles would 
benefit our economy and protect our environment.

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