WALLY HERGER: “I am pleased we're discussing the growing problem of America's dependence on foreign sources of oil and gas, and the…”

“I am pleased we're discussing the growing problem of America's dependence on foreign sources of oil and gas, and the high prices that consumers are paying here at home. In the 109th Congress we made great strides in promoting energy independence through tax incentives for oil and gas exploration, improvement of outdated infrastructure and added research into renewable resources. But while the goal of ``energy security'' is a good one, I am concerned that today's bill moves us away from that objective. I frequently hear from constituents concerned about our growing dependence on foreign supplies. And rightly so--when we experienced the first ``energy crisis,'' foreign countries provided one, third of our energy needs. Thirty years later, that reliance has nearly doubled. H.R. 6 does not address this problem. Quite the opposite: Through increasing taxes, the legislation makes it more costly for U.S. firms to develop domestic supplies. This means our over-dependence on foreign supplies will increase even more. The policies we have already put in place are working: American production of natural gas is up 407 percent, and deep water oil production is up 386 percent. And billions of dollars that would otherwise go to hostile nations have been invested in renewable energy developed from open-loop biomass, geothermal and other resources. Madam Speaker, my constituents want a forward-thinking energy strategy that seeks new ways to meet our needs.”