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“IN SUPPORT OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY LEGISLATION” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Energy was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E974 on May 15, 2003.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN SUPPORT OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY LEGISLATION
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HON. LEE TERRY
of nebraska
in the house of representatives
Thursday, May 15, 2003
Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to introduce an important energy efficiency bill, along with Representatives Engel, Bilirakis, Graves, Kilpatrick, and others. The aim of this legislation is to bring real energy savings to homeowners and businesses, while increasing U.S. energy security.
Specifically, this legislation would provide a tax credit for the use of Energy Star-qualified heating and cooling systems and windows. As you know, the Department of Energy's Energy Star program endorses products and appliances that meet high energy efficiency standards. Last year alone, with the help of the Energy Star program, Americans saved enough energy to power 10 million homes--saving energy consumers approximately $6 billion. Obviously, the Energy Star program is worthy of our support.
My bill will encourage further growth of smart, energy-conserving technology by making it more affordable. This legislation comes at a time when America can no longer afford to ignore its looming national energy crisis. Since the energy crisis of the 1970s, the United States has increased its energy use by 30 percent, while domestic energy production has increased only 14 percent. Even more troubling is the Department of Energy's predictions that, by 2020, U.S. energy consumption will increase 50 percent for natural gas, 43 percent for electricity, 35 percent for petroleum, and 22 percent for coal. The course we are on is unsustainable.
There is no single silver bullet to solving our energy challenge. We need a three-pronged approach, which includes increasing domestic production; urging sensible conservation; and encouraging more energy efficiency. Unfortunately, energy efficiency is often the least emphasized and most overlooked approach to increasing U.S. energy independence.
Innovations by private industry have greatly increased our energy efficiency over the past 20 or 30 years. Homes, offices and manufacturing plants now use about 25 percent less energy compared to 20 years ago, due to more efficient appliances, equipment and construction. Today's best air conditioners use 50 percent less energy to produce the same amount of cooling as air conditioners built in the mid-1970s. This directly benefits our energy security and the environment.
Last month, the House passed a comprehensive energy bill (H.R. 6) to help America meet its energy challenges. Included in the House energy bill is an $18 billion tax-incentive package that will boost energy efficiency for homes and businesses, encourage more generation from renewable energy, and further the development alternative energy sources. However, H.R. 6 does not address the Energy Star products in my legislation. Including the provisions of my bill in a comprehensive energy plan would help strengthen our nation's energy policy.
The bottom line is that America can no longer afford to ignore its looming national energy crisis. My legislation can play a small but significant role in a balanced, realistic policy that produces more energy, protects the environment and expands our economy. I urge my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring this legislation.
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