[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 129 (Tuesday, September 4, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1788]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




NEW DIRECTION FOR ENERGY INDEPENDENCE, NATIONAL SECURITY, AND CONSUMER 
                             PROTECTION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Saturday, August 4, 2007

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 3221) moving 
     the United States toward greater energy independence and 
     security, developing innovative new technologies, reducing 
     carbon emissions, creating green jobs, protecting consumers, 
     increasing clean renewable energy production, and modernizing 
     our energy infrastructure:

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Udall-
Platts amendment. This amendment allows the United States to adopt a 
renewable portfolio standard of 15 percent by 2020 that fulfills our 
obligation as the world's lone superpower to be at the forefront in 
protecting the environment.
  The need for a renewable portfolio standard is clear. With only 5 
percent of the world population, the United States produces nearly 25 
percent of annual global heat-trapping emissions. Electricity 
generation accounts for fully one-third of these emissions. We have a 
responsibility and a compelling interest to significantly reduce these 
harmful emissions. Renewable electricity standards offer a smart, 
affordable climate solution with a proven track record.
  Passing a renewable fuel standard not only reduces our nation's 
harmful impact on the environment, it also makes us more secure. Today, 
the United States imports nearly 60 percent of its oil from the Middle 
East and politically unstable nations such as Algeria, Nigeria and 
Venezuela. As alarming as this statistics is, evidence suggests that 
unless we change our behavior, the situation will only become more 
dire. In fact, a recent study found that if the United States continues 
its current consumption without increasing its domestic production, by 
2010 we will have to import 75 percent of our fuel.
  To prevent this sort of prediction from becoming a reality, it is 
crucial, that the United States takes steps to decrease its dependence 
on foreign oil. The 15 by 20 principle is the answer to this challenge. 
It can be achieved by tapping a multitude of natural resources. We can 
harvest the sun and wind to produce new energy. We can grow a wide 
variety of crops to produce ethanol and biodiesel and we can utilize 
livestock wastes to produce biogas and generate new power sources.
  In addition to the advantages that renewable energy holds in terms of 
environmental and national security issues, there is also a strong 
economic incentive as well. Many renewable energy facilities are 
located near key regions across rural America. These facilities provide 
good jobs, often near small towns which have suffered from population 
declines.
  Currently, renewable energy accounts for about 14 percent of the 
world's energy consumption. While this number is encouraging, the 
United States lags behind. According to a September 2006 report by the 
Center for American Progress, just over 6 percent of our electricity 
needs come from renewable energy sources.
  We can do better, and, Americans want us to do better. I believe that 
setting a goal of 15 percent of America's total energy needs from 
renewable sources by 2020 sets us on the right path. I strongly endorse 
this amendment and I urge my colleagues to support it.

                          ____________________