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 ENERGY
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Ending
our Dependence on Foreign Oil
The dramatic increases in the price of gas, oil, and heating
fuel have placed heavy demands on the finances of families and
businesses across the nation. In addition, the damage caused
by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have driven costs even higher
while major oil companies continue to record unprecedented profits.
Congress needs to take a stand not only to provide short term
energy relief to hard working Americans, but to develop and
implement long terms solutions that will free our nation from
our dependence on foreign sources of oil and secure an innovative
and independent energy future for our nation.
In 2004, the U.S. imported an average of 12,097,000 barrels
per day, which constituted 57 percent of our daily oil need.
Recent increases in energy prices, coupled with the impact of
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, clearly demonstrates the need for
our nation to diversify our national energy portfolio and develop
alternative sources of energy that will lead us to a secure
and independent energy future.
To do this, I believe that federal, state and local government
must invest in the development of new sources of energy, such
as hydrogen fuel cells. Similar to the effort to put a man on
the moon, I believe we must marshal all the resources of our
government towards this goal. Since coming to Congress, I have
been a strong supporter of efforts to foster the advancement
of this critical technology.
Gas Prices
Retail gas prices have increased approximately 32 percent in
the past year, according to the Energy Information Agency (EIA).
Since 2001, gas prices have increased $1.14, almost 72 percent.
Analysts predict that individuals and families could end up
paying $1,000 extra for basic transportation costs this year.
To best address this issue, on August 24, 2005, I wrote the
leaders of the House Energy and Commerce Committee urging them
to immediately investigate whether major oil companies were
taking advantage of Americans at the pump, and provide real
relief from rising gas prices. In addition, I wrote to the Secretary
of Energy asking what his department has done to address rising
energy costs.
In October 2005, I joined with colleagues in offering an amendment
during consideration of the Gasoline for America’s Security
Act that would have eliminated the practice of ‘zone pricing,’
a restrictive practice that forces gas stations to purchase
their supply from a single wholesaler rather than shopping around
for the best price. Although the House Republican Leadership
prevented the House from considering the measure, I introduced
the amendment with my colleagues as stand alone legislation
entitled, the Eliminate Gas Price Discrimination Act (H.R. 3954).
This bill has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce
Committee, where unfortunately, it has failed to be considered.
I am also one of the first cosponsors of Anti-Price Gouging
Act (H.R. 3681). The bill would make it illegal to drastically
and baselessly raise the price of oil and other critical supplies
during times of national disaster. In addition, I have cosponsored
of the Federal Response to Energy Emergencies Act (H.R. 3936)
which would give the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the explicit
authority to investigate and punish those who artificially inflate
the price of energy.
Fuel Cells
In 2004, the U.S. imported an average of 13 million barrels
of oil per day from foreign oil producers. While our nation
consumes more than 20 million barrels of oil a day, we only
produce 5 million a day – leaving the U.S. dangerously
dependent on foreign sources of oil. Recent increases in energy
prices, coupled with the impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita,
clearly demonstrate the need for our nation to diversify our
national energy portfolio and develop alternative sources of
energy that will lead us to a secure and independent energy
future.
I have long advocated for robust government investment in hydrogen
fuel cells. Pursuing the development and commercialization of
fuel cells strikes at the very core of our national security,
economic stability, and environmental conscience. We have the
technology to provide clean, reliable energy for every person,
home, business, and vehicle in America. With fuel cells, we
have the opportunity to end America's reliance on foreign energy
sources while at the same time creating quality jobs for the
next century in a new and expanding technological field. As
a leader in the research and manufacturing of hydrogen fuel
cells, Connecticut will play a vital role in our nation’s
energy future.
House Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus
In June 2004, I joined Reps. Al Wynn (D-MD), Charlie Dent (R-PA)
and Bob Inglis (R-SC) in forming the House Hydrogen and Fuel
Cell Caucus. The Caucus is a bipartisan group of concerned Members
of Congress created to promote and enhance awareness of the
issues surrounding an accelerated transition to energy independence
through hydrogen and fuel cell technology.
Fuel Cell Funding
Congress has a vital part to play in providing the long-term
investment necessary to research, develop, and commercialize
hydrogen and fuel cell technology. The Energy Policy Act of
2005 (PL 109-58) authorized $860 million in federal fuel cell
funding and one billion for hydrogen programs under the Department
of Energy for Fiscal Years 2006 through Fiscal Year 2010.
The Fiscal Year 2006 Energy and Water Appropriations Act (PL
109-103) provided $81 million for hydrogen technologies and
$76 million for fuel cells. While this funding will provide
important resources for the development of fuel cells, it falls
short of the levels authorized in the Energy Policy Act. As
Congress begins consideration of the Fiscal Year 2007 federal
budget, I will continue to work with my colleagues to provide
the highest possible funding for hydrogen fuel cells. |
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