[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 53 (Wednesday, April 27, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E789]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. DAVID WU

                               of oregon

                    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:

  Mr. WU. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support to the Castle-Markey 
amendment to H.R. 6, the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
  This amendment would ensure that States have control over whether an 
LNG facility is sited in their district. Under the energy bill, the 
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) would have the sole 
authority to make decisions regarding the construction, expansion and 
operation of LNG facilities. While the bill requires FERC to consult 
with State and local governments, they have no role in the final 
decision, and FERC is not required to consider their concerns.
  This is unconscionable. It is exactly the local communities who must 
have the final say in whether or not an LNG facility is built in their 
district. It is these people who must live with the decision either 
way. The Castle amendment would create authority for States to have a 
say in the final decision.
  Currently, I have four proposed LNG sites in my district, and I have 
heard from many of my constituents about these proposals, both against 
the sites because of environmental concerns and because of job 
creation. It is exactly these individuals who should get to decide if 
an LNG plant will be sited in their community; it should not be a 
decision made by a Washington, DC based government official who has no 
connection to the site.
  This amendment would enhance the process of selection and provide the 
community an outlet to be more involved. It is my hope that the local 
communities, State, and FERC can work together in deciding whether or 
not a LNG facility is good for Oregon.
  I am a strong believer in participation of all stakeholders when it 
comes to monumental decisions like these. I support transparency among 
the local, State, and federal governments to ensure the process is 
thorough and thoughtful.
  I strongly believe that the States should have authority in LNG 
facility sites and I urge my colleagues to vote for the Castle-Markey 
amendment.

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