Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, the current bill cuts hydropower by $15 million, and this amendment seeks to restore it. It offsets it with Department of Energy, or DOE, administrative costs. Actually, the amendment reduces outlays by $8 million because, Mr. Chair, water power programs are vitally important to reducing our dependence on foreign energy sources. Hydropower is available in every region of the country, every single region. Literally, 2,200 hydropower plants provide America's most abundant source of clean, renewable energy and account for 67 percent of domestic renewable generation, for a total of 7 percent of the total generation across the country. This amendment stands to create 1.4 million new jobs by 2025, Mr. Chair, and this would be harnessing a truly renewable and green source of energy. Let me just talk about some of the advantages of hydro as opposed to wind and solar. Hydro has a predictable, year-round output. Solar and wind require, often, a battery backup or an alternative power source if they are going to be viable. Even routine maintenance on a windmill way up there is problematic and expensive, where hydro is right down on the ground where we are. It is easy to maintain. Hydropower facilities are quiet and often unobtrusive. Most of the neighbors don't even know they are there. Oftentimes, we hear complaints about wind generation and the noise it also generates along with the power. Hydropower--I think this is the most important--is baseload.…”