|
News
from Rep. Stephanie Herseth
HOUSE PASSES KEY RENEWABLE ENERGY LEGISLATION Bill Will Cut Giveaways to Big Oil, Reinvest in Homegrown, Renewable Biofuels January 18, 2007, Washington, D.C. – The House of Representatives today approved H.R. 6, the CLEAN Energy Act of 2007, which repeals $14 billion in giveaways and tax breaks for the oil industry in order to invest in homegrown, renewable biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel. U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth supported the bill as part of her strong commitment to renewable biofuels as a means to decreasing our dependence on foreign oil, enhancing our national security, protecting our environment and revitalizing rural American economies. Herseth said, “This bill reprioritizes our national energy policy in a way that recognizes the unique challenges and undeniable strengths of rural America. Instead of rewarding oil companies when their revenues – and gas prices – are at record highs, we will invest in rural America and in homegrown, renewable energy.” Specifically, the bill would ensure oil companies that were awarded the 1998 and 1999 leases for drilling pay their fair share in royalties. It would also close loopholes and giveaways for the oil industry in the tax code. Finally, the bill would create a Strategic Renewable Energy Reserve to invest in clean, renewable energy resources including wind energy, promote new energy technologies, develop greater efficiency and improve energy conservation. Since joining the Congress, Herseth has been a dedicated advocate for renewable fuels, working to gain support from a bipartisan and geographically diverse group of members of Congress. Last year, Herseth introduced the BIOFUEL Act, an historic piece of renewable fuels legislation that enjoys the support of her party’s leadership. Herseth added, “I’ve been pleased the new Congressional leadership has backed up their words about renewable fuels with action by including H.R. 6 as part of the initial days of the new Congressional session.” Herseth is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate Democrats committed to fiscal discipline and strong national security, and is co-chair of the Rural Working Group, which is dedicated to raise the profile of issues important to rural America. She also serves on three committees vital to South Dakota’s interest: Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs and Resources.
# # # |
|
Washington, DC 331 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2801 Fax: (202) 225-5823 |
Sioux
Falls 326 East 8th Street, Suite 108 Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Phone: (605) 367-8371 Fax: (605) 367-8373 Toll Free: (866) 371-8747 |
Rapid
City 343 Quincy Street Rapid City, SD 57702 Phone: (605) 394-5280 Fax: (605) 394-5282 |
Aberdeen 121 Fourth Avenue SW,
Suite 1 |
