[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 82 (Thursday, May 27, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H3873]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RENEWABLE BIOMASS AND EPA

  (Mr. SCHRADER asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. SCHRADER. Madam Speaker, America has tremendous potential for 
renewable energy production. Indeed, these are the jobs of our future.
  One of the most important renewable energy sources for Oregon that 
binds rural and urban communities is the production of energy from 
forestry and agricultural byproducts, otherwise known as renewable 
biomass.
  Unfortunately, it would appear that EPA is rewriting the rules in 
direct contravention to the intent of this Congress. In their final 
tailoring rule for regulating greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act, 
the EPA ignores hundreds of studies and precedents from their own 
research that biomass combustion is indeed carbon neutral. This 
contradicts what was also included in the American Clean Energy and 
Security Act, which passed out of this very body.
  Despite the tremendous benefit to engage our rural farmers and 
foresters to play a role in our renewable energy future, EPA has 
decided to legislate instead of administrate. Through this tailoring 
role, they are doing their best to alienate rural America and deny them 
the opportunity to be a part of our renewable future.

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