Statement of Congressman John D. Dingell, Chairman
Committee on Energy and Commerce

SUBCOMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND AIR QUALITY
MARKUP ON ENERGY LEGISLATION

June 20, 2007

Mr. Chairman, I have a brief opening statement in which I will discuss the four C’s: commendation, consensus, controversy, and climate change.

First, commendation. Chairman Boucher, you deserve great credit for the fair, open and transparent way you have brought this subcommittee to today’s markup. We have heard from about 100 witnesses, many selected by the minority, on the subjects of energy security and climate change. The legislation before us today has been in the hands of Members for more than a month, giving us ample opportunity to suggest changes and draft amendments.

Second, consensus. The legislation we are considering today consists of a number of measures that will substantially reduce energy consumption and, just as important, can be passed quickly and sent to the President for signature.

Third, controversy. The staff discussion drafts circulated prior to this markup addressed a number of controversial issues and generated considerable debate – not all of it informed debate, I might note – but nonetheless, that was their purpose. The issues that are not included in the legislation we will consider today could also be referred to as the four C’s: coal-to-liquids, cars, California and the courts. These are important issues, and must be addressed. And we will address them when, in the fall, we take up….

The fourth C – climate change legislation. It is my intention, and I know it is yours, Mr. Chairman, to develop a comprehensive, mandatory, economy-wide program to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. My own judgment is that we are going to have to adopt a cap and trade system and some form of carbon emission fee to achieve the reductions we need. We will need to address such matters as motor vehicles and fuels, the role of nuclear power, the proper responsibilities of the States and of the Federal Government, the future of coal under carbon constraints, our relationship to international climate change programs, and many more difficult, complex, and challenging but fascinating problems.

Mr. Chairman, you are doing a superb job in preparing us for that debate, and I look forward to continuing to work with you.

With that, it brings me to a fifth C: Conclusion.

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