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August 3, 2001 Rep. Wynn Speaks Against Drilling for Oil in theArctic National Wildlife Refuge Wednesday evening, Rep. Wynn went to the House floor and spoke in favor of banning oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) located on the northern slope of Alaska. The Congressman stressed the need to preserve ANWR, said to be one of the most pristine and untouched ecosystems on earth. "NWR supports 160 bird species, 36 kinds of land mammals, nine marine mammal species, and 36 types of fish. We should not drill for oil in this pristine area of our Nation," Rep. Wynn stated. Supporters of drilling in ANWR have cited the importance of not having to rely on foreign governments for oil and the higher prices at the gas pump. While the Congressman is sympathetic to these concerns, he does not feel that the small amount of recoverable oil would significantly reduce our country’s dependence on foreign oil or lower oil prices. "According to the U.S. Geological Survey there is a 95% chance that 2 billion barrels or more of oil will be economically recoverable from ANWR. But there is only a 5% chance that 9.4 billion barrels will be economically recoverable. Two billion barrels of economically recoverable oil, at peak production, would mean an additional 300,000 barrels a day. However, it is projected that the U.S. will consume over 24 million barrels a day by 2015. Thus, 300,000 barrels would not have a sufficient impact to justify damaging the natural splendor and wildlife of ANWR," Rep. Wynn said. Unfortunately the attempt to prevent the opening up of ANWR to oil drilling failed by a vote of 206 to 223. Rep. Wynn is hopeful that, as the bill works its way through the Senate, ANWR will be protected from oil exploration.
Wynn Votes for Higher Fuel Efficiency Standards Wednesday, Rep. Wynn joined environmentally minded Members of Congress in a valiant, but unsuccessful attempt to pass an amendment to the Energy bill that would raise fuel efficience standards in the U.S. The amendment, which lost on a 160 to 269 vote, would have required the Transportation Department to adopt a 26 mile per gallon (mpg) Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) standard for SUV’s and light trucks by 2005 and 27.5 mpg by 2007. Light Truck and SUV’s currently must meet a 20.7 gallon CAFE standards and passenger cars a 27.5 mpg standard. A recent report by the National Research Council found that, "The car/truck distinction has been stretched well beyond the original purpose." Opponents of increased CAFE standards argued that it will make vehicles more costly and require lighter vehicles that would be more dangerous in accidents. However, the same National Research Council report indicated that the savings at the gas pump with more fuel efficient cars could offset the increased cost. Other studies have shown that improved engine technologies would help offset the need for lighter vehicles. Despite the vote, Wynn remained optimistic that proponents would continue to aggressively pursue this issue as part of this country’s overall energy policy.
Wynn Applauds Use of Bioenergy in Takoma Park This week, Rep. Wynn successfully included an amendment to the Energy bill supporting bioenergy. Bioenergy is often produced by a form of biomass, which is organic matter that can be used to provide heat, make fuels, and generate electricity. The amendment provided training and education to minority and disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, so that they can be aware of and know how to provide products for bioenergy purposes. This will provide an opportunity for these farmers to enter new markets with products they already produce or waste products that are discarded. "I strongly support the useful application of bioenergy. Unlike other renewable energy sources, biomass can be converted directly into liquid fuels for our transportation needs. In my district, biodiesel is used by automotive fleets in the City of Takoma Park. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, biodiesel is the fastest growing transportation fuel in the nation," stated Rep. Wynn. The two most common biofuels are ethanol and biodiesel. Biodiesel is made using vegetable oils, animal fats, algae, or even recycled cooking greases. It can be used as a diesel additive to reduce vehicle emissions or in its pure form to fuel a vehicle. However, there are many other types of biomass like wood, plants, residue from agriculture or forestry, and the organic component of municipal and industrial wastes - that can now be used as an energy source. For Previous Editions of Pass It On . . . --Click Here
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