[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 118 (Friday, July 31, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2136-E2137]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 31, 2009

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Fiscal 
Year 2010 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies 
Appropriations Act (H.R. 3183). This Appropriations Act makes important 
investments to move America toward a clean energy economy. I thank 
Chairman Obey, the House leadership, and my colleagues on the House 
Appropriations Committee for their hard work on this legislation.
  A transition to clean, renewable sources of energy is critical for 
America's national security, economic prosperity, and environmental 
stewardship. One of the most effective strategies for reducing 
America's dependence on foreign oil and polluting fossil fuels is to 
decrease our energy consumption. This bill invests $2.25 billion in 
Energy Efficiency and

[[Page E2137]]

Renewable Energy programs at the Department of Energy, a 14 percent 
increase over fiscal year 2009. This funding will enhance the 
development of next-generation vehicle technologies, support research 
on conservation technologies for buildings and industry, and help 
struggling families save money and energy through the weatherization 
assistance program.
  Improvements in energy efficiency must be coupled with the 
development of new, 21st century energy technologies. This bill invests 
$4.9 billion for the Office of Science--funds that will support 
development of new energy technologies to modernize America's economy 
and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. As we develop these new 
energy technologies, our country must have a modern energy grid 
equipped to transport clean energy across the country. This bill 
provides $208 million--52 percent over 2009--for modernization of our 
energy grid. This will allow wind energy produced in my state of 
Minnesota to be transported to areas across the country that have high 
energy demand but fewer or less accessible renewable energy resources.
  While this bill is very strong overall, I have concerns that it could 
do more to move our country toward a permanent storage solution for our 
accumulating nuclear waste. After spending 20 years and billions of 
dollars on Yucca Mountain, the federal government is about to suspend 
this project and start over. Finding a long-term solution to America's 
nuclear waste storage problem is the federal government's 
responsibility, and I urge this Congress and this Administration to 
make this issue a priority.
  The Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations 
Act of 2010 is a significant step toward a clean, secure energy future 
for America. I urge my colleagues to support passage of this bill.

                          ____________________