Frank Pallone: “I think we have a couple of minutes left, so I would just like to point out, Mr. Speaker, that all the Democrats are…”

“I think we have a couple of minutes left, so I would just like to point out, Mr. Speaker, that all the Democrats are really asking is that instead of trying to reverse the positive steps that the administration is taking and making these false accusations, that the GOP adopt a sound energy policy and pass the measures that the Democrats have been advocating and that have been proposed by the Clinton and Gore administration in its budget request. Above all, we should be implementing measures that sustain our natural resources, practical measures that would conserve energy, promote our long-term energy security, and promote international competitiveness and alternative energy resources, all without sacrificing our economic growth. For example, before we adjourn, the GOP leadership should pass the administration's request for funding and tax incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy measures, efficient energy research and development, weatherization, and alternative fuel vehicles and mass transit. I also urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to pass legislation banning the export of Alaskan oil. Earlier last week, one of my colleagues on the Democratic side introduced a bill promoting wind energy. This is the kind of creative thinking we need to reduce our dependence on domestic and foreign fossil fuels. Unfortunately, the Republican majority has done the opposite.”