Maurice is at it again, this time on energy. His plan looks similar to parts of the Energize America plan started by Jerome. We should all get on the horn and blast out our support for this just to make some noise. Call your Congress Critter!
"The two energy bills that the Republican-controlled Congress passed this year are two of the most backwards-looking pieces of legislation passed in recent memory. Those energy bills may have been ok in the 1950's, but they have no place in the 21st Century," Hinchey said. "This bipartisan energy reform bill that I've introduced is forward-looking and realizes the need for the United States to abandon its addiction to foreign oil, recognizes global warming as a significant problem and takes steps to fix it, including through conservation, and paves the way for new, cleaner energy sources to play a much bigger part in our day-to-day lives."
December 13, 2005
Hinchey Unveils Comprehensive, Bipartisan Energy Reform Bill
To Decrease Dependence On Foreign Oil,
Expand Market For Renewable Sources
Johnson City, NY - As part of his effort to decrease the United States' dependence on foreign oil, expand the market for new, renewable energy sources, protect the environment from global warming, and rollback massive tax cuts for the oil industry, Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today unveiled a comprehensive, bipartisan energy reform bill he has sponsored in the House. Hinchey is the chief sponsor of the Energy for Our Future Act along with Congressman Christopher Shays (R-CT).
"This bill will strengthen our national security by greatly reducing our reliance on the Middle East for oil, create new jobs across the United States to further develop these clean, renewable energy technologies, and help save our environment from harmful pollutants associated with oil use," Hinchey said. "Additionally, it would save American taxpayers billions by repealing some of the most egregious tax breaks for oil companies that were included in the energy bill that Congress passed earlier this year."
Hinchey's legislation:
- Saves oil by increasing corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for cars and light trucks, including vehicles that weight up to 10,000 pounds, and closing the tax loophole that exempted SUVs;
- Encourages the purchase and manufacturing of hybrid vehicles by doubling the tax credit for individuals and families who buy fuel-efficient cars and providing tax credits to manufacturers of such vehicles.
- Promotes the use of public transportation by subsidizing fares and encouraging businesses to subsidize fares for employees. Additionally, the measure provides funding incentives for local municipalities to use energy efficient vehicles such as hybrid buses and light rails.
- Reduces heat and electric bills for individuals and families by fully funding home weatherization assistance programs and providing tax incentives to homeowners and businesses who retrofit their homes and offices to make them more energy efficient, including through the use of solar power.
- Extends tax incentives through 2010 to encourage production and use of energy efficient appliances in homes and offices.
- Saves taxpayer dollars by repealing the tax breaks for oil companies the Republican-controlled Congress approved earlier this year; and
- Restores state authority with regards to Liquid Natural Gas siting and setting CAFE standards to ensure that the federal government would be unable to preempt stronger state requirements.
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Last month, Hinchey secured $800,000 from Congress for Broome County's use of alternative fuel buses developed by BAE Systems of Johnson City. That funding, which Hinchey obtained using his seat on the House Appropriations Committee, will help initiate advances in the next generation of advanced electric hybrid buses and will allow the county to replace aging, polluting diesel vehicles. Hinchey also secured $600,000 in 2004 for alternative fuel buses from BAE for Broome County.
The Sierra Club, League of Conservation Voters, Natural Resources Defense Council, Union of Concerned Scientists and U.S. PIRG have all endorsed the bill.
http://www.house.gov/...
http://www.weny.com/...