Political Quotes

“I would like to thank my good friend and colleague from Maryland, Congressman Sarbanes, as well as the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Kinzinger), for their roles in bringing this bill to the floor today. Mr. Speaker, I rise as a proud sponsor of the Collinsville Renewable Energy Production Act. This bill provides, as has been noted, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, commonly known as FERC, the authority to reinstate, extend, and transfer the licenses of two dams in my district to the town of Canton in order to redevelop hydropower at these two facilities that have been dormant since 1966. The upper and lower Collinsville dams on the Farmington River were first built in the 18th and 19th centuries to power an ax manufacturer. Although this business closed in the 1960s, the dams have remained and are a lasting symbol of the manufacturing history of the Farmington Valley. Today's legislation provides Canton the opportunity to create local clean energy and to stimulate local economic development along the scenic Farmington River. As provided in the Senate's amendment to H.R. 316, Canton would need to file an application for approval with FERC that describes the town's qualifications to hold these licenses and to operate the dams. It would require the town to be subject to the same conditions as in the original licenses, as well as any additional terms that FERC may deem necessary after reviewing the application.…”