Kathy Castor: “My amendment increases the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy account by $266 million, to simply restore it to last…”

“My amendment increases the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy account by $266 million, to simply restore it to last year's levels, with an offset from the fossil energy account. My amendment will boost energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives across America that have a proven return on investment for taxpayers. This amendment is paid for by reducing--but not by eliminating-- accounts that do not have the same return on investment for taxpayers. Unless we adopt this amendment, America's commitment to energy efficiency and renewable energy will be slashed by $266 million below the 2015 enacted level and over $1 billion below the budget request. Now, Mr. Chairman, I wish that we could meet the budget request this year, but that doesn't appear possible, but we should at least restore the money back to last year's levels, which is still a very modest investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy for America. Investments in energy efficiency create jobs and help make our businesses more competitive compared to businesses all across the globe. In addition, energy efficiency reduces costs for consumers. Wouldn't that be revolutionary, that we put money back into the pockets of our neighbors back home?…”