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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
New Democrats Urge Energy Agenda For The 21st Century: Plan focuses on investment in new technologies and modernizing regulations
WASHINGTON, DC-- Members of the New Democrat Coalition - a group of 72 pro-growth Democrats in the House of Representatives -- today released principles and proposals for a long-term energy agenda, focusing on embracing energy technologies for the future and new regulatory frameworks.
"We need a national effort to develop the energy technologies of the future to rival our national effort to put a man on the moon in the 1960's," said Rep. Adam Smith (WA-9). "Renewable and sustainable sources of energy are cornerstones to our country's economy, health, and environment, both today and in the future. We need an energy policy that is visionary, innovative, and forward-thinking. Our New Democrat principles and ideas will bring some fresh ideas into the debate, and we are looking forward to working with all interested parties to develop a policy."
The plan proposes to double funding for renewable energy and efficiency programs and encourages adoption and use of these technologies through a combination of grants, loans, and tax incentives. It also addresses energy infrastructure and regulations.
"Our nation needs a 21st century energy plan for a 21st century economy," said Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-2). "The New Democrats have worked to thoughtfully craft a national energy agenda that is balanced, comprehensive and visionary. We must encourage new, clean generation; increase investment in energy efficiency; improve our transmission infrastructure; and promote a diverse energy supply."
The New Democrat proposal prioritizes four areas:
HARNESS THE POWER OF TECHNOLOGY - PROMOTING EFFICIENCY, CONSERVATION, AND CLEANER ENERGY
make existing fossil fuels cleaner and more efficient
significantly increase the use of wind and solar
provide incentives for research, development and use of technologies such as fuel cells, biomass, and geothermal energy
EMPOWER CONSUMERS AND BUSINESSES - PROMOTING SMART CHOICES AND SMART PURCHASES
provide incentives to encourage energy-efficient purchases and construction of energy-efficient homes and businesses
provide consumers with the information necessary to make smart energy use decisions
IMPROVE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE - CLEANER AND MORE EFFICIENT GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION
promote new, clean, and efficient generation with a regulatory system that rewards clean technology and renewable energy sources
encourage investment in transmission and pipelines to promote safe, reliable and efficient energy movement
INVEST IN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT - A NATIONAL COMMITMENT TO DEVELOPING THE ENERGY SOURCES AND EFFICIENCIES OF THE FUTURE
dramatically increase research and investment in renewable energy sources and efficiency and conservation measures
The Bush Administration proposal relies too heavily on fossil fuels and not enough on alternative energy sources and efficiency, say the New Democrats. "Bush and Cheney have adjusted their rhetoric and embraced a few of our proposals, but there is still a fundamental focus on fossil fuel extraction and not enough of a focus on the energy technologies of the future and modernizing our infrastructure and regulations for the 21st century," said Smith.
"I'm very disappointed by the administration's long-term vision reflected in their energy plan released today," added Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI). "Vice President Cheney's report places a disproportionate emphasis on the exploration and production of domestic sources of fossil fuels from our pristine national wildlife areas. I believe our nation would be better served by developing alternative and renewable energy sources, such as; wind, solar, biomass and geothermal, that are far more environmentally friendly and reduce our dependence on foreign and domestic sources of oil and gas."
New Democrats hope that their plan can be embraced by a broad coalition, including Republicans, of people who are interested in charting a course for the future of energy.
"While President Bush's plan looks backwards to the energy sources of the past, our New Democrat plan promotes the next generation of energy technology," NDC Co-Chair Rep. Cal Dooley (CA-20) said. "Like our New Democrat plans for education reform and trade, our energy plan charts a centrist course that represents a vehicle for bipartisan consensus."
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