Political Quotes

“Thank you, Madam President. My amendment, cosponsored by Senators Schumer, Bingaman, and Merkley, would authorize a series of new programs designed to encourage energy efficiency in homes. I am offering this amendment--based on S. 1379, the Energy Efficiency in Housing Act--to the job creation bill we are debating today because of the enormous potential of green housing to grow the economy, create jobs, and, of course, save energy. Clean energy is the next big global industry. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, buildings account for 39 percent of all energy consumption and 38 percent of carbon dioxide emissions. Clearly, the housing sector must be a vital part of our energy efficiency efforts. Venture capitalists and companies from Google to General Electric have testified before the Senate that this revolution--the clean energy revolution--could be even bigger than the digital revolution. The countries at the forefront of this clean energy revolution will be the economic powerhouses of the next century. Right now, the United States is at risk of falling behind in the race to lead this new economy. Of the top 10 solar companies in the world, only one is from the United States. Of the top 10 wind power companies in the world, only two are from the United States. When President Obama met with Senate Democrats a few weeks ago, he told us: China is not waiting, it is moving. Already the anticipation is that they will lap us when it comes to clean energy.”