For the past 40 years this policy has helped to promote the wholesale distribution of electric energy, while increasing energy efficiency, and ensuring that energy consumers receive fair retail rates.

Mr. Chairman, I must say at the outset that I do have concerns with all three bills before us today.

I must say, Mr. Chairman, and announce I do have concerns with all three bills that are before us today.

H.R. 4476 would make sweeping changes to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act, or PURPA, that would fundamentally alter both its objective and effectiveness.

I am concerned that some of the proposed changes under H.R. 4476 will hamper the law's ability to achieve its original objective.

Explain that to me.

Without strong and continued funding, we continue to increase the risks to our public health and the environment long term.

This is a crisis in our country that we've got sites that are hurting areas that aren't being cleaned up.

I still have a lot of concerns, which I think you have been hearing all of my colleagues, Republican and Democrat, express today.

My office worked extensively with former Secretary Moniz to establish the minorities and energy initiative.

I think maybe it might be in order for a bipartisan effort on both sides of this committee to make our concerns heard with the Appropriations Committee.