Statement by Moira Chapin,
Federal Field Organizer, Environment California
In a 180 degree shift from policies that deepen America’s dependence
on fossil fuels, U.S. Representatives Rahall (WV), Rangel (NY) and McNerney (CA)
introduced today H.R. 6, the “Creating Long-Term Energy Alternatives for the
Nation Act of 2007” or the “CLEAN Energy Act of 2007.”
Thanks to the leadership of Rep. McNerney, as well
as Rangel and Rahall, Congress has an opportunity to make a down payment on a
new energy future by voting to support H.R. 6 and send a clear signal that
Congress is ready to start solving our energy problems.
It is time to start investing in America’s vast reserves of
renewable energy resources and energy efficiency technologies. By harnessing
renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and clean biofuels, we can secure
our economy and create new jobs. By promoting technologies to save energy such
as hybrid vehicles, we can dramatically reduce our dependence on oil and save
consumers money.
Introduced today with 199 cosponsors, the bill will shift approximately
$13 billion in handouts to the oil industry toward clean renewable energy and
energy efficiency. The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on
H.R. 6 on Thursday, January 18th. It will be the last of the
bills up for consideration during the House’s first 100 legislative
hours.
We also commend House Speaker
Pelosi’s commitment to building a new energy future, and look forward to
working with Congress to continue to move America’s energy policy in a new
direction well beyond the first 100 hours.
