Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, again, I am offering this amendment on behalf of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess). This amendment requires the Export-Import Bank to take into consideration energy affordability, in addition to environmental impact, before approving transactions. It further requires the Export- Import Bank to report on how transactions impact the cost of energy in the importing country and the estimated emissions reductions caused by Bank-financed exports. Clean energy sources from nonrenewable sources, such as hydrogen, nuclear, and natural gas, are just as important to lowering emissions as renewable energy. The bill, as written, only focuses on renewable energy sources, but we should also promote nonrenewable clean energy sources such as nuclear, hydrogen, and natural gas. If emissions reductions are the goal, Federal policies must focus on total performance and not favor one technology over the other. In the developing world, affordable, clean energy will give people more opportunity for a better life when expensive alternatives are unaffordable. I urge passage of this amendment to ensure that energy affordability, energy efficiency, and clean energy remain an important component of our export policy. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.”