Jim Costa: “since the 1973 energy crisis, we are no more energy independent now than we were then, and this legislation will do…”

“since the 1973 energy crisis, we are no more energy independent now than we were then, and this legislation will do nothing to resolve this Nation's bankrupt energy policy. For those of you who support federalism, this measure goes in opposition to state rights! Our current energy policy is bankrupt. If this Congress is to pass a real energy policy, here are some things what we must do: Open up ANWR; invest the revenue into renewable energy resources; and provide incentives to promote the ingenuity of Americans to develop energy measures that are progressive and will rid us of energy dependence. The President has it right, we must conserve, but we must go further like improve CAFE standards and provide incentives to build a High Speed Rail network. Conservation is an American value, and it is lacking from this bill. This Congress must craft a real energy policy that goes beyond the status quo. Therefore, I urge that we vote down this measure, and support the Democratic substitute.”