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Hoyer Votes to Help Maryland Meet Energy Needs

July 28, 2005
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer, (D-MD) today supported the Energy Conference Report, agreed to in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, which included numerous provisions to improve the efficient delivery of clean energy resources to the state of Maryland and the nation.

"In April, the House of Representatives passed a flawed and harmful Energy bill that I opposed because it would have harmed our natural resources, cost taxpayers billions of dollars, taken away consumer protections, and did nothing to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil.

"While the bill that passed today does not solve all of our nation's energy challenges, it is vastly improved over the bill I voted against in April.

"First, this conference report does not include a provision that would have protected the producers of a gasoline additive, MTBE, which contaminates drinking water. And, it did not include provisions that would have opened the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) for drilling. Those are significant environmental victories.

"And, while the conference report still gives some oil and gas companies unnecessary incentives for exploration, it also requires the country to significantly increase its use of renewable motor fuels that will reduce our reliance on foreign oil, and increases funding for research and development for energy efficiency and new energy technologies. Maryland universities and companies have played an important role in these types of research activities and can benefit from these provisions.

"Overall, this is a comprehensive bill that can help the nation and the state of Maryland meet our energy needs. This bill will help strengthen the economy and create jobs in Southern Maryland by encouraging investments in energy infrastructure such as the expansion of nuclear and natural gas facilities like Calvert Cliffs and Dominion Cove Point. It will also help stimulate our economy by lowering energy costs for Maryland families and businesses and creating a more secure and reliable electricity system. Furthermore, it provides the Maryland agricultural industry with opportunities to expand production of renewable crops that can be used as biofuels.

"Congress needs to do more to explore renewable and alternative energy supplies, invest in greater efficiency to reduce consumption and advanced technologies to prepare the nation for our future energy needs, and I am committed to those goals and improving our nation's energy policy. But this bill is more balanced than any other product put before the House in recent years and is a necessary first step.

"I will continue to work to ensure that future generations of Marylanders enjoy the economic rewards of a stable and secure energy supply and a cleaner environment for decades to come, but I can support this bill knowing it will help create jobs in my district, the state of Maryland, strengthen the energy security of the region and help move the nation move toward energy independence."

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Issues:Environment