Nick Lampson: “I am proud today to vote for this comprehensive energy package which includes two bills that I introduced related to…”

“I am proud today to vote for this comprehensive energy package which includes two bills that I introduced related to enhancing biofuels and also industrial efficiency research and development. Diversifying our energy supplies will help our Nation lead the way toward greater energy independence. However, we must commit to even more research and development in order to remain the world leader that we have been. We are competing with China and Japan and Russia and many other nations to find new resources and technologies. As we grow our technologies, we grow the availability of resources that we are trying to seek and use. And if we don't rededicate our Nation's know-how and might to the pursuit of science and technologies, I believe we will relegate ourselves to second-class status in the world. While this bill will not bring down energy prices overnight, it is an important step in the right direction. Estimates show that these provisions will save Americans more than $400 billion and reduce energy consumption by at least 7 percent by 2030. We can achieve that and more. Our Nation has reached a critical point, and the time is now for us to lead the way toward cleaner fuel, increased efficiency standards, and much-needed research and development. When we lead, we prosper. Passing this bill is a start. Making it better next year and the year after will ensure our leadership in the world.”