Karen Thurman: “A responsible energy policy requires that we focus our attention and research toward the infinite supply of renewable…”

“A responsible energy policy requires that we focus our attention and research toward the infinite supply of renewable energy alternatives. As we begin to enter the 21st century, we must begin to shift our reliance away from our finite supply of fossil fuels. The promotion of renewable energy sources is more important now than ever before. We should have learned by past oil crises that we can not continue to ignore our increasing dependence on imported oil. For the first time, we are now importing more than 50 percent of our oil. Oil accounts for a large part of our trade imbalance. The harsh reality is that the world's oil supply will one day run out. There is nothing that this Congress or our Government can do to change that. To the extent that we foster the development and use of alternative renewable sources like solar technology, we can act responsibly to reduce our dependence on imported oil. I am disturbed by the committee's slashing of the solar and renewable energy programs from their current funding level of $338 to $221 million, a 43-percent cut. This amendment would restore $45 million, which still leaves these programs with 31 percent less than they got last year.”