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We live in a world driven by energy. Our economy depends upon it; our daily lives are made more convenient by it; and in some cases, energy literally saves our lives. However, these benefits are not without environmental costs that are associated with energy production. Thus when considering a long-term, comprehensive energy policy it is critical to balance the demands for affordable and reliable energy with protection of the environment.
One of the most successful ways we have addressed this balance is to decrease our dependence on energy through energy conservation. Over the past 30 years, largely due to conservation measures, energy consumption per capita has remained flat despite the fact that energy plays a much greater role in our lives. I believe it is important to continue this trend.
While increasing energy efficiency is important in the short-term, I believe it is essential to begin reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. Renewable technologies such as wind and solar are becoming more economical every year. In fact, in some areas of the country these technologies are competitive with traditional fuels such as coal and natural gas. The increased use of these environmentally sound technologies will also reduce our dependence upon foreign oil and lead to the creation of tens of thousands of new jobs.
I also believe that we are nearing a turning point for how the transportation sector is fueled. Since Henry Ford introduced the world to the Model T in 1908, cars have been powered by basically the same technology: the internal combustion engine (ICE). However, in recent years, automobiles with both an ICE and an electric engine have begun to hit the roads. These new engines, called hybrids, offer tremendous efficiency gains without many of the confidence problems associated with other alternative technologies. Soon, even these technologies will give way to fuel cells which produce energy with water being the only byproduct.
I have long supported programs which provide government assistance for the development of these technologies. Earlier this year, the Department of Energy introduced the Freedom CAR Program. This program provides funding for research into advanced, efficient fuel cell technology which uses hydrogen to power automobiles without creating any pollution. I believe that environmentally sound technologies will be one of the most important growth sectors of this century, and it is essential for the United States to remain at the forefront of their development.
Earlier this year, the Senate completed debate on a comprehensive energy bill. The bill is presently in conference committee where the differences between the House and Senate passed versions of the bill are being resolved. A number of the amendments I offered to this bill are listed below.
- Introduced an amendment that was included in the energy bill that
provides tax incentives for energy conservation measures taken in new
and existing homes and in commercial dwellings.
- Cosponsored an amendment that was included in the energy bill which
ensures that on-site power producers can continue to sell their
electricity and obtain backup power in regions without electricity
competition. These systems, called combined heat and power (CHP)
generating systems, are highly efficient and environmentally
attractive.
- Introduced an amendment that will ensure that consumers who purchase
hybrid vehicle produced by our domestic manufacturers in the coming
years will benefit from the tax credits currently applied to foreign
vehicles. The amendment also extends the period of time that the tax
credit and deductions is available for hydrogen refueling
equipment.
- Introduced an amendment with Senator Bond concerning fuel economy
standards for cars and light trucks. The amendment which is part of the
energy bill ensures that the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) will set fuel economy standards under the
consideration of all of the relevant factors such as the impact on U.S.
employment, safety, technological feasibility, the cost and lead time
necessary for new technologies, and the effect that near-term
expenditures to meet increased fuel economy standards will have on the
resources available to develop leap-ahead advanced technologies.
Included in the amendment is a requirement for the federal government to
purchase advanced technology vehicles for fleet use, so that the
purchasing power of the federal government can be used as a positive
force to provide a market for advanced technologies.
