Robert Ehrlich: “Last night we acknowledged our duty as responsible stewards of America's economy in putting forth a sound energy policy…”

“Last night we acknowledged our duty as responsible stewards of America's economy in putting forth a sound energy policy that respects and protects our environment. We adopted a long-term energy strategy, and it was balanced, Mr. Speaker, between conservation and investments in renewable, nonrenewable, and nuclear sources. We never lost sight of our responsibility for the health and vitality of our environment. H.R. 4 places confidence in America's ability to develop technologies and market incentives to address our energy need in an environmentally safe and cost-effective manner. Americans rely on clean, abundant, and affordable energy, Mr. Speaker. All of us want a strong economy and a clean, healthy environment. Last night, this House reaffirmed its commitment to these principles. Further, last night's vote was more than drilling for oil or CAFE standards or gasoline additives. We refused to reward oil-producing nations openly hostile to the United States of America. We said no to OPEC's political whims in setting the world price for oil. We said no to taking away consumer choice in preference and safety that would have eliminated tens of thousands of jobs, good jobs, Mr. Speaker, for American workers. We did much more. We created a balanced strategy for America's national economic security and environmental need.”