On the recordApril 6, 2011
For years, I have consistently and repeatedly said that we need to have a balanced and comprehensive American energy policy. We can't just impose regulations; we need smart incentives to create the technology for a clean energy economy. The Stabenow-Brown amendment is based on the framework developed on a bipartisan basis for the past 2 years to develop a truly comprehensive policy that would allow us to phase in regulations. This amendment would allow the EPA to do its work but would have the enforcement of that work be done in 2 years. We would build on the successful advanced energy manufacturing tax credit, known as 48C, which has created jobs at 183 businesses in 43 States. We have put the right incentives into place because we know when we do that we help businesses create good-paying jobs, and we can reduce carbon pollution at the same time. Our amendment also follows what the EPA has indicated is its intention toward agriculture by giving our producers the certainty they need. This amendment is a commonsense approach to addressing the issue of clean energy. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from California is recognized.
