Victor Fazio: “Mr. Tiahrt's amendment would cut energy conservation R&D from $411.2 million to $230.1 million. The fiscal year 1995…”

“Mr. Tiahrt's amendment would cut energy conservation R&D from $411.2 million to $230.1 million. The fiscal year 1995 level was $468.5 million. Large cuts have already been taken. Energy R&D has fallen 75 percent since the late 1970's, in constant dollars. The committee's bill already contains a 23 percent cut in energy R&D relative to the President's request. Total U.S. energy efficiency R&D costs each taxpayer about $5.50 per year and saves them $65. This amendment would cut critical programs assisting in the development of new, clean transportation technologies including electric vehicles. It would cut the Federal Energy Management Program, which installs money-saving equipment in Federal buildings, saving taxpayers $4 in Federal operating expenses for every $1 spent. These are just to mention a few of the programs which will help to reduce our dependence on foreign oil in the future. The bottom line is this cut would be penny wise and pound foolish. I urge the committee to oppose the Tiahrt amendment.”