[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 52 (Tuesday, April 26, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E757]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005

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                               speech of

                           HON. DEBORAH PRYCE

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 21, 2005

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 6) to ensure 
     jobs for our future with secure, affordable, and reliable 
     energy:

  Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Chairman, I rise to express some concerns that 
I have with the Ford amendment. I support the concept of promoting 
production of fuel efficient vehicles and encouraging the creation of 
U.S. jobs. But there are some issues that should be clarified as the 
bill proceeds to conference. I understand it is Congressman Ford's 
intention that any manufacturer producing vehicles in the United States 
would be eligible for funds under this program. That is encouraging and 
that intention needs to be made clear in the final statutory language 
in conference.
  There are other terms that need additional clarification as well. 
What is meant by an ``efficient hybrid'' and an ``advanced diesel 
vehicle''? If we are going to subsidize production, we should 
incentivize only the most efficient vehicles that reduce our nation's 
dependence on foreign oil.
  In addition, I am concerned that the consumer incentives provided by 
this legislation are to be provided by the manufacturer. I am not sure 
how that would work logistically. The mechanism for distributing the 
incentives should be further refined.
  And finally, before we enact this provision into law, we need an 
opinion from the Office of the United States Trade Representative as to 
whether it is consistent with our international obligations under the 
World Trade Organization and the North American Free Trade Agreement.




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