William Luther: “clearly, as in most bills that we have before us, there are some positive provisions. There are some positive provisions…”

“clearly, as in most bills that we have before us, there are some positive provisions. There are some positive provisions in this bill, but we should be very disappointed in the bill before the House today. Mr. Chairman, the administration has declared that there is an energy crisis in America. If we are in a crisis, we need a far bolder approach than we are seeing today. This legislation is not an energy package for the 21st century. It focuses on the same old ideas that have led to many of our current problems. It is a plan for the previous century that perpetuates our reliance on dirty, inefficient energy sources while virtually ignoring the ideas of efficiency and renewable energy. Our country deserves a national energy strategy that promotes energy security by encouraging cleaner renewable sources and increasing energy efficiency. As members of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, many of us have fought for aggressive strategies such as increased air conditioner standards and standards for other appliances that account for a high percentage of energy use. It simply defies common sense not to make these appliances just as efficient as possible. By not even addressing this issue and many other issues, we are not even scratching the surface in terms of developing a comprehensive approach to our energy needs in this country.”