[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 68 (Friday, May 26, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E991]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2007

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                               speech of

                             HON. JIM KOLBE

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 24, 2006

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 5427), 
     making appropriations for energy and water development for 
     the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other 
     purposes:

  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to the Flake 
amendment regarding the GEDAC Packaged Gas Engine-Driven Heat Pump 
Development. I appreciate the attention that my fellow Arizonan has 
brought to the issue of so-called ``earmarks.'' I share his passion for 
limited, responsible government. We have seen instances in which 
inappropriate or even corrupt projects have been funded in 
appropriation, authorization and tax bills and we must ensure that all 
of the bills we pass--appropriations bills, authorization bills and tax 
bills--fund only projects that can stand up to scrutiny.
  However, the GEDAC Heat Pump project is a project that deserves our 
support and will help us to find solutions to our country's energy and 
water needs. Specifically, this project will allow for the continued 
development of natural gas-based heat pump technology that saving both 
energy and water resources. When completed, this will be the first 
small packaged system available in the United States. The technology is 
broadly applicable throughout the country, and it provides a number of 
benefits, including greater energy efficiency and water savings. The 
technology will not only save energy but will save water, which is 
important to Arizona. If successful, it could displace central station 
power generation which uses approximately a gallon of water per 
kilowatt generated. It is in line with the President's efforts to 
address climate change by developing technologies that having 
significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions. It also is in line with 
the President's efforts to utilize domestic energy resources.
  None of the money in this particular project goes to private 
industry. Every dime of it goes to the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge 
National Laboratory (ORNL). ORNL has a sophisticated facility for 
testing that private industry cannot afford to replicate every time it 
has a new idea.
  Mr. Chairman, I understand the gentleman's concern that we fund only 
those projects that can withstand serious scrutiny. But this project 
stands up to scrutiny and deserves our support. I urge a no vote on the 
Flake amendment.

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