The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“SECURING AMERICA'S FUTURE ENERGY ACT OF 2001” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Energy was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1575 on Sept. 5, 2001.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
SECURING AMERICA'S FUTURE ENERGY ACT OF 2001
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speech of
HON. W.J. (BILLY) TAUZIN
of louisiana
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, August 1, 2001
The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 4) to enhance energy conservation, research and development and to provide for security and diversity in the energy supply for the American people, and for other purposes:
Mr. TAUZIN. Mr. Chairman, I continue to be concerned about the energy situation in the Pacific Northwest. Earlier this year, language was offered in House Energy and Water Appropriations bill to increase the borrowing authority at the Bonneville Power Administration by $2 billion for transmission upgrading. I understand the language has been put into the Energy and Water bill on the Senate side.
Part of the transmission problem in the Northwest has been created by the temporary closure of aluminum facilities, especially those in Western Montana and Eastern Washington.
I am concerned about Bonneville's actions to reduce and possibly eliminate future electricity sales to the aluminum smelters in the Northwest, which collectively make up about 40% of total U.S. primary aluminum production. These actions will not only have significant and adverse impacts on the transmission system in the Northwest, but will also create economic dislocations in the communities in which these facilities have operated. This is not just a Northwest issue, however, since it could adversely affect the global supply and demand for aluminum.
I have raised these issues with the Department of Energy and will continue to work on them as a priority. As the Committee continues to deal with energy legislation, we may hold hearings on this subject and may consider legislative remedies to the situation in the Northwest. I intend to preserve and exercise the Energy and Commerce Committee's jurisdiction over BPA's transmission and power sales issues.
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