[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 85 (Friday, June 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1167]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2004

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 15, 2004

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, the House today is considering legislation 
that continues to ignore the real needs of our families.
  Today's energy bill won't create jobs, won't lower gas prices and 
weakens our strong environmental standards that protect our nation's 
health.
  America needs a comprehensive energy plan that strengthens our 
national security, grows our economy and protects our environment.
  We need to pass legislation that invests in energy-efficient 
technologies of the 21st century, expands conservation efforts and 
builds an infrastructure based on renewable, homegrown fuels.
  Democrats have a plan that would appropriate sufficient funds for the 
development of domestic energy sources. This includes measures to 
increase the use of renewable energy resources and the use of emerging 
technologies that could increase energy efficiency and reduce overall 
energy consumption.
  Unfortunately, Republicans won't allow this plan to be considered.
  Once again the House is considering pork-laden energy legislation 
that adds $140 billion to our deficit, benefits the Republicans special 
interest friends and fails to create twenty-first century jobs without 
providing energy independence.
  The Republican energy plan on the floor today is the same one the 
House passed last year. Their plan still tilts too far towards oil and 
natural gas production. I support domestic production of oil and 
natural gas. It must be done sensibly, however, to not harm our 
nation's environment.
  I also strongly support investing in energy efficient technology and 
renewable fuels. Minnesota leads the nation in wind power, ethanol and 
biodiesel. The energy bill we are passing yet again fails to adequately 
recognize these homegrown fuels.
  Instead of passing the balanced energy plan Minnesotans demand, the 
Republicans have loaded this bill up with giveaways to corporations 
making record profits.
  I will not vote for a pork-filled energy bill that doesn't meet our 
nation's energy needs for the first century.
  I urge my colleagues to vote no today.

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