Bobby Rush

As has been discussed many times, Africa is indeed a continent on the rise, and the African sub-Saharan area region is definitely one of the fastest rising parts of the African Continent.

Africa as a continent and as nations as trading partners offer U.S. businesses and government unprecedented and significant economic opportunities.

I don't think that we have to decide between climate change and jobs. I think that is not the issue here.

This bill defies common sense.

Climate change is an issue that the minority side takes very seriously and we believe that hearing from actual scientists and climatologists rather than industry representatives will benefit and inform every member of this subcommittee.

We are here holding yet another hearing on yet another Republican bill designed to gut the Clean Air Act and tie EPA's hands and prohibit this agency from doing exactly what it was established to do.

Just because one might not like what the facts or the science is telling us does not mean that we can simply ignore science or facts or wish them away.

I don't want to see the process short-circuited by the actions of this committee in favor of this bill that is before us.

But, Mr. Chairman, the nature and the subject of this hearing I want to be real clear is not climate change; it is Keystone.

I think you should read the entire article which explains that we are currently heading towards a temperature increase that would be extremely damaging.

I really respect Dr. Jaccard and I respect his accomplishments but that doesn't nullify our request that we have a hearing specifically with scientists.

Let us bring some scientists who can offer independent conclusions about climate change.

This highlights the need to have a series of hearings, not just one hearing 2 years ago, but a series of hearings on climate change science.

I just refuse to close my eyes to the impacts of carbon pollution if we burn those fossil fuels and don't capture the carbon.

It seems as though the environmental community... is downplaying the impact in importance of jobs as it relates to this particular issue.

I wish you would also certainly consider a hearing where we will have some scientists come in and discuss climate change.

As policymakers, it is our responsibility to ensure that all segments of the population are able to participate in building this critical infrastructure.

I drafted language in the Pipeline Safety Regulatory Certainty and Job Creation Act of 2011 which calls for a comprehensive GAO report examining the levels of engagement and participation of minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged…

But for me, the concerns are regarding the lack of access for minorities and women when it comes to jobs and contracts.

Lack of access in pipeline infrastructure is also an issue that I have concerns about.

I want to thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding today's hearing which is part two on the diversification of the Nation's electricity supply.

We are proud to be saying with that extension, the industry is getting back to work in creating a lot of jobs, 75,000 jobs in the industry.

Last year, I am sure you witnessed me battling Congress at the end of the year to extend the production and tax credit.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

We are indeed seeing more diversity in the Nation's electric generation portfolio.