| “It is of utmost
importance to ensure that
America has a steady, reliable source of
energy to keep our country going. While respecting the
importance of preserving the environment, we must proceed with
exploring domestic and alternative sources of
energy.”
Examples
of Rep. English’s work on energy issues are listed
below:
§
Securing
America's Future Energy Act of
2001—English
supported an amendment to increase fuel economy standards by
closing the light truck loophole that allows SUVs and other
light trucks to meet a lower fuel economy (CAFE) standard than
cars currently meet. The amendment would have combined light
trucks and cars into one fleet that would have met a 27.5 mpg
average by 2007. This step alone would have saved 1 million
barrels of oil per day.
Further, it is estimated that this bill would create
735,000 jobs, reduce reliance on foreign oil, and encourage
expanded development of wind, solar and geothermal energy from
public lands.
Unfortunately, the amendment failed by a vote of 160 to
269.
§
Relief From High Gas
Prices—English
pushed for The Strategic Petroleum Reserve to be sold to
alleviate those worst hit by high oil and gas prices. He’s
sponsored a bill (HR 1147) to prohibit Alaskan North Slope oil
from exportation to Asia. He voted for increased CAFÉ
standards.
English voted to authorize drilling in ANWR with a
2,000-acre limitation on the total surface area that may be
covered by oil and gas production operations in the Arctic
National Wildlife Refuge's Coastal Plain (HR 4, amendment
passed, 228 - 201).
§
National Electricity and
Environmental Technology Act—English co-sponsored this
legislation to authorize Department of Energy programs to
develop and implement an accelerated research and development
program for advanced clean coal technologies for use in
coal-based electricity generating facilities. This bill also
amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide financial
incentives to encourage modernization of coal-based
electricity generating facilities to protect the environment
and improve efficiency.
§
Supporting Renewable Energy
Research—English has sent letters to the
Chairs of the Energy and Water and Interior Appropriation
Subcommittees, urging higher funding levels in each of the
renewable energy and energy conservation research and
development accounts.
§
Supporting Low Income Energy
Assistance—
English co-sponsored H.Res. 300 encouraging President Bush to
exercise his authority and release emergency LIHEAP funds. He
has also written to OMB Director Daniels urging the release of
$300 million in emergency LIHEAP funds. English has worked
since 1995, writing letters to administration and other
officals to ensure that low income families have access to
energy for heat, water and other needs. In recognition of his
efforts, English was presented with The 1996 Campaign to Keep
American Warm award for leadership and unfailing support for
the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help
low-income Americans who need assistance heating their homes
during the winter.
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![[House of Representatives Seal]](H_English_Issues_Energy_files/houseseal.gif)
U.S. REP. PHIL ENGLISH