[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 129 (Tuesday, September 4, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1791]
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. BOB ETHERIDGE

                           of north carolina

                    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:

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 3221, 
the New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and 
Consumer Protection Act; and H.R. 2776, the Renewable Energy and Energy 
Conservation Tax Act of 2007.
  As forward thinking as this legislation is Madam Chairman, it is by 
no means a perfect bill. This legislation contains a Renewable 
Portfolio Standard for investor-owned electric companies that I voted 
against, and remain opposed to as I believe it places an unfair burden 
on my state of North Carolina and the other Southeastern states. It is 
my hope that this RPS can be corrected in conference so that certain 
states are not placed with the burden of funding initiatives in other 
states.
  These two pieces of legislation truly represent a new direction in 
our nation's energy policy. This legislation will move the United 
States toward greater energy independence and security by developing 
innovative new technologies, reducing carbon emissions, creating green 
jobs, protecting consumers, increasing clean renewable energy 
production, and modernizing our energy infrastructure.
  H.R. 3221 provides incentives that will increase research and 
development in clean energy technologies, raise efficiency standards 
for appliances and lighting, and direct the Federal Government to 
become a leader in reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. 
H.R. 2771 will expand tax incentives and bonds for renewable energy, 
energy efficiency and renewable fuels as well as incentives for 
consumers to purchase plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and energy 
efficient appliances.
  This legislation will put our nation on a path towards energy 
independence, it will strengthen national security, grow our economy, 
and create new jobs. It does so by investing in the future, in new 
energy technologies and innovation.
  I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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