NEWS RELEASE

Committee on Energy and Commerce
Rep. John D. Dingell, Chairman

Dingell Responds to Energy and Air Quality
Elements of Budget

Washington, DC – Rep. John D. Dingell (D-MI), Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement regarding the funding for the Department of Energy (DOE) and for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air quality programs contained in President Bush’s Fiscal Year 2009 (FY09) Budget:

"The budget released by the Department of Energy today raises serious concerns about the Administration's commitment to the principles contained in the energy bill signed less than two months ago. Funding for renewable energy is down. Funding for the ill-conceived Global Nuclear Energy Partnership program, or GNEP, has been increased.

“For the second year in a row, the Administration has targeted the Weatherization Assistance Program for a severe budget cut. This program improves the energy performance of low-income housing and provides many jobs for local workers at a time when the nation is experiencing both record heating costs and a loss of jobs.

“In addition, I remain concerned about the adequacy of recent appropriations levels to enable the Department to submit a license application for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and support full funding of DOE's FY09 request for this program.

“Secretary Bodman will be testifying before the Committee on Thursday and I look forward to addressing these topics with him in person.

“Finally, I am concerned that the Administration is once again trying to cut EPA grants to the states for air quality. The President’s Budget would reduce air quality grants by $30 million, or 15 percent, from what was enacted for Fiscal Year 2008. States rely on these grants to help keep the air Americans breathe safe. Last year, I worked with appropriators to restore funding for these grants and I will do so again, this year.”

- 30 -