[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 105 (Thursday, July 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1326]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 
                                  2012

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. JAY INSLEE

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 13, 2011

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2354) making 
     appropriations for energy and water development and related 
     agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and 
     for other purposes:

  Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Chair, I am concerned about the devastating impact 
that the underlying legislation will have on the clean energy economy. 
H.R. 2354 is a disappointment to those working to advance the clean 
energy economy because it slashes investments--by 40 percent from the 
President's request--in the new clean energy jobs of the future, 
ranging from solar to biomass to wind, and new technologies for more 
energy efficient cars and buildings.
  Today, more than ever, we need investments in clean energy research, 
innovation, and manufacturing--investments which can grow new 
industries, create American jobs, reduce U.S. oil dependence, and 
increase our national security. H.R. 2354 abandons efforts for a new 
American energy economy that would lower electricity prices for 
families, reduce our reliance on foreign energy, and increase energy 
independence.
  While I understand the fiscal situation we are in, H.R. 2354 cuts 
programs that can be targeted to actually grow our economy. The bill 
slashes Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, EERE, by 27 percent, 
cuts the Advanced Research Projects Agency--Energy, ARPA-E, by 44 
percent, cuts Weatherization Assistance Grants and associated training 
programs by 81 percent, all the while increasing funding for fossil 
fuel research and development. I believe that this demonstrates that 
the priorities of H.R 2354 are aligned with outdated 20th century 
energy policies that will not recharge our new economy. A 21st century 
Energy and Water Appropriations Act should include measures to increase 
funding for renewable energy and clean technology and these increases 
should be offset by dollars from fossil energy research and 
development.
  To help strengthen our economy and create new jobs, we must rebuild 
America. In a report released this week by the Brookings Institution 
entitled ``Sizing the Clean Energy Economy: A National and Regional 
Green Jobs Assessment,'' it is reported that 2.7 million Americans are 
now employed in the clean technology economy. The report found that in 
the State of Washington, there are 83,676 clean energy jobs, with an 
annual wage of $46,457. The report showed that median wages for clean-
economy workers are about 13 percent higher than median U.S. wages. The 
clean technology economy has created export intensive jobs; on average, 
twice as much value is exported from clean tech jobs than the national 
average. The potential for future job creation in the clean energy 
economy is endless and targeted investments in this new economy make 
sense.
  As the House of Representatives considers amendments to H.R. 2354, I 
urge my colleagues to consider the opportunities for economic growth 
and job creation embodied in the clean energy economy and oppose the 
misguided priorities in this bill.

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