Cliff Stearns: “we in the House will be marking up an energy policy this week, and part of this policy will include hydropower.…”

“we in the House will be marking up an energy policy this week, and part of this policy will include hydropower. Hydropower provides a clean and safe source of energy. Hydropower is the fourth largest source of total generation, making it an important part of America's energy supply mix. In addition to providing sustainable power at a low cost, hydropower production has significant environmental benefits. Hydropower production has no emissions. Every kilowatt of power that is produced from hydropower reduces the need to burn oil and coal to produce the same amount of energy. I am pleased that the Republican energy package will include elements to assure that we maximize the potential of our existing hydropower facilities. While we work to implement policies and strategies to conserve energy, we must also work to increase energy supply to keep pace with growing demand. Mr. Speaker, I believe that maximizing the benefits of our hydropower resources is an important part of meeting that challenge.”