Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Chairwoman of the Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks at the Appropriations Committee's markup of the fiscal year 2023 Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies bill:
“Today, we will consider the fiscal year 2023 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies bill. By robustly investing in America’s energy and water needs – this legislation meets our current needs while preparing our nation for the future.
“Putin’s war against Ukraine crystalizes how essential a comprehensive energy strategy is to our economy, to national security, and to global stability. With Russia weaponizing energy to destabilize global markets, it is clear that America needs to innovate – not allow foreign adversaries to disrupt our way of life.
“Over the last 40 years, America has made remarkable progress to strengthen our net energy position and to pull us out of the nosedive of foreign dependency. Over the last few years, we have produced record amounts of oil and gas. But we are also bringing forward new energy forces and are indeed now a net energy exporter. Fossil fuels are a part of America’s current energy strategy – and will be in the years ahead. In this 21st century, America needs to continue harnessing new energy sources that weren’t a focus of previous Administrations.
“The harsh reality is that energy prices are still overly dependent on world events. And with prices rising and adversarial threats growing, America needs an “all-of-the-above” energy approach that embraces innovation across all categories. Let’s get it done.
“By harnessing the power of clean energy sources such as hydrogen, solar, nuclear, wind, hydropower, and biomass – as well as strengthening energy conservation through efficient building materials and conservation strategies – we will lower costs, create good-paying jobs, and sustain life on Earth.
“I am excited by this bill’s support for Defense Production Act capabilities that will unlock even greater potential. By deploying $100 million to expand domestic manufacturing of solar and other clean energy industries – our bill invests in an American energy future that is built and powered here in America.
“Now, turning to water, this bill provides necessary resources for water agencies to rebuild crumbling infrastructure. This bill addresses the worsening drought conditions plaguing the West, historic flooding we see across the country, and new age challenges to our nation’s precious freshwater lakes and systems.
“Let me briefly walk through the investments we make in this funding bill:
“The bill provides $8.9 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers, an increase of $2.3 billion above the budget request, with a footprint in nearly every district represented here today.
“It provides $1.9 billion for the Bureau of Reclamation, an increase of $477 million above the budget request, including programs to respond to the severe western drought.
“It provides $48.2 billion for the Department of Energy, an increase of $3.3 billion above enacted, to push innovation faster.
“And within the Department of Energy, the bill provides historic levels of funding across energy and science programs, including:
“$4 billion for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, $800 million above enacted. Recognizing that buildings consume about 40 percent of energy in the U.S., the bill also includes $370 million for weatherization of over 40,000 homes occupied by families of modest means.
“$8 billion for the Office of Science, $525 million above enacted, which is so vital to American energy innovation.
“$550 million for ARPA-E, $100 million above enacted to invent the future.
“Additionally, the bill responsibly funds America’s nuclear deterrent and increases funding for nonproliferation programs.
“In short, this bill provides critical funding to propel America’s energy security, water infrastructure, and a strong nuclear deterrent – all anchored by good-paying jobs in every state and region of America.
I’d like to thank our Subcommittee members and express my deep gratitude to Ranking Member Simpson as well as Chair DeLauro and Ranking Member Granger.
“Finally, I’d like to thank the staff who worked tirelessly to put this bill together: Jaime Shimek, Scott McKee, Brian Smith, Will Ostertag, Daniela Todesco, Eric Lipka, John Howes, and Angie Giancarlo.
“I’d like to especially thank Jaime Shimek, an exceptional talent, for her dedicated and faithful service as the Clerk of this subcommittee as she prepares to move on to her next adventure. We value her integrity, intelligence, deep patriotism, and good nature. With great acumen and an amiable nature, all the while, she has handled some of the most complex challenges facing our nation. We will miss you dearly, Jaime, and wish you all the best in your next endeavor in Washington state.
Original source can be found here.
