[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 12, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H5448-H5449]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           ENERGY EFFICIENCY

  (Mr. TONKO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. TONKO. President Obama has outlined a bold vision for a 
significant change in our Nation's energy policy. In keeping with the 
theme this evening of energy efficiency, I share with you a vision that 
the President has borne that will take and highlight energy efficiency.
  Energy efficiency should be our fuel of choice, a fuel we need to 
drill and mine like we currently drill for oil and mine for coal. We 
must invest in demand-side energy solutions as well as supply-side.
  Madam Speaker, we must diversify our energy portfolio and achieve 
efficient outcomes.
  For example, this summer in New York State, almost 45 percent of a 
homeowner's utility bill will go for heating and cooling. For every 
degree the thermostat is set below 78 degrees, the customer will use 3 
to 5 percent more electricity.
  When government implements rate-based or taxpayer-funded demand-side 
management programs, the public policy is clear--the kilowatt saved is 
the cheapest, cleanest and the quickest kilowatt we can produce.

[[Page H5449]]

  Madam Speaker, as we move to create legislation that focuses on clean 
energy jobs, we must remember the important role that energy efficiency 
has to play.

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