Mitch Landrieu: “The fifth reason is it is American technology that is at the base of these technological advances in renewable energy.…”

“The fifth reason is it is American technology that is at the base of these technological advances in renewable energy. However, we are not using them. They are being used by European nations. Our technology is developed at our universities, in our laboratories, with our scientists, with our engineers, but we are not taking advantage of these renewables. The Europeans have done it in a period of 5 years, from 1990 to 1995. As I said earlier, Spain increased its renewable resources by 300 percent, Denmark by 150 percent, and the Netherlands over 50 percent. In conclusion, I think a solution to our dependence on foreign oil is more robust domestic production with a real commitment to renewables. If we do those two things, we can reach independence, which I think our country and our citizens, whether they live in California, Louisiana, or New York, would cheer about. That is why I am opposing the Kyl amendment and supporting Senator Bingaman. Again, I hope for perfection through the conference process, but I also hope this bill retains a renewable portfolio and sends an important message to the American people that we can stake our claim to an independent future.”