Rehberg Opposes Final Passage of Compromise CLEAN Energy Bill

Good news - the U.S. House passed the CLEAN Energy Bill of 2007 today.  Now its on to the Senate for a likely vote this Saturday.  

Bad news - see below for Rehberg's vote.

FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 1140

H R 6      YEA-AND-NAY      6-Dec-2007      3:31 PM

QUESTION:  On Agreeing to the Senate Amendments with Amendments

BILL TITLE: Creating Long-Term Energy Alternatives for the Nation Act
 
Nays - Dennis Rehberg (R-MT)

REHBERG'S RATIONALE

December 5, 2007 

Dear David :

Thank you for contacting me regarding energy. It's good to hear from you.

On August 4, 2007, the United States House of Representatives passed H.R. 3221, the New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act. I voted against this bill because it will take America in the wrong direction and leave us even more dependent on foreign sources of energy.

America must continue to encourage the development of new domestic resources and technologies in order to end our dependence on foreign energy. To that end, I supported House Concurrent Resolution 25, which is known as the "25 x '25" initiative. This resolution establishes a goal that no later than 2025, renewable resources from agriculture, forestry and our working lands should provide no less than 25% of total U.S. energy consumed. Finding ways to develop clean, safe and affordable renewable energy is one of my top priorities when it comes to finding a common sense solution to our energy crisis.

The Senate has also passed energy legislation which, among other things, seeks to bolster energy efficiency and conservation. The Senate bill includes very promising provisions to increase the research and development of carbon sequestration, something I've long supported as a critical aspect of increased coal development. However, other provisions of the bill aren't quite as promising.

For example, the Senate bill includes an increase of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard for cars and light trucks to 35 mph. While increasing fuel economy is an important component of energy conservation, such requirements will affect how vehicles are made and we must ensure the steps taken to meet these requirements won't lower safety standards. Montana families put function over fashion when it comes to their vehicles and it's critical that any future changes maintain the towing and hauling capabilities upon which Montanans rely on.

It was only a few short years ago that I worked aggressively to pass the Energy Policy Act of 2005, a bill that balanced the exploration of fossil fuels, increased efficiency and conservation, and the development of renewable energy. The Energy Policy Act must be given time to work. This will allow us to see what programs are working and where problems still exist so we can go back, replan , and then continue moving forward with a comprehensive policy that works.

Thanks again for contacting me. For further information or to sign up for my e-newsletter, please visit my website at www.house.gov/rehberg . Please keep in touch.

Sincerely,
Denny Rehberg
Montana's Congressman