Ron Lewis: “as my colleagues are aware, Division D, the Ways and Means tax portion of H.R. 6, includes provisions which will benefit…”

“as my colleagues are aware, Division D, the Ways and Means tax portion of H.R. 6, includes provisions which will benefit the coal industry, such as repeal of the 4.3 cent surtax on each gallon of fuel used by barges and railroads. As coal is a major user of these transportation systems, repeal will substantially reduce the cost of getting coal from the mines to the power plants. Further, the Committee on Energy and Commerce reported legislation, which, among other things, authorizes $200 million per year for 9 years for clean coal technology. This is the program to provide cleaner and more efficient electricity from coal-fired power plants. Mr. Chairman, industry advocates believe this part of the program is not, by itself, sufficient to enable some new technologies to realize their potential. This year's Senate energy bill has a credit for investment in advanced clean coal technologies. I would like to inquire of the gentleman whether he might consider including some incentives in the conference report on H.R. 6.”