Rep. Roscoe Bartlett Opposes Tax Increase But Supports Increased Conservation, Efficiency and Alternative Renewable Energy Sources
Washington, Aug 4, 2007 -
Congressman Roscoe Bartlett (R-6-MD) opposed tax increases on energy, but supported a change in America’s energy policies to encourage conservation of finite fossil fuels, increase efficiency and promote development of alternative domestic renewable resources.Congressman Bartlett opposed amendments for an inflexible, unaffordable and unachievable Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and a reversal in policies to promote modernization and increased reliability and resilience of the electric grid. Congressman Bartlett voted to support final passage of the energy bill, H.R. 3221. It was approved by a vote of 241 to 172. Congressman Bartlett was among 26 Republicans and 215 Democrats who voted yes. 9 Democrats and 163 Republicans voted no.
Congressman Bartlett said, “I’m a proud conservative. I hope the tax increases in this bill will be stripped out but I support a change in America’s energy policies to encourage conservation of America’s dwindling and irreplaceable oil and natural gas reserves, increase efficiency and promote the development of alternative domestic renewable resources. In a speech fifty years ago on May 14, 1957, the father of America’s nuclear navy, Admiral Hyman Rickover pointed out that we have a moral obligation to leave younger generations some oil and natural gas.”
“In the face of the basic fact that fossil fuel reserves are finite, the exact length of time these reserves will last is important in only one respect: the longer they last, the more time do we have, to invent ways of living off renewable or substitute energy sources and to adjust our economy to the vast changes which we can expect from such a shift. Fossil fuels resemble capital in the bank. A prudent and responsible parent will use his capital sparingly in order to pass on to his children as much as possible of his inheritance. A selfish and irresponsible parent will squander it in riotous living and care not one whit how his offspring will fare.”
Congressman Bartlett said, “The U.S. has only 2 percent of known oil reserves. We use 25 percent of the world's oil and import two-thirds of what we are using. We pump our reserves four times faster than the rest of the world. There will be a day after tomorrow and we have to slow down the depletion of America’s oil and natural gas to preserve some for future generations.”
Votes on the Energy Bills
Renewable Portfolio Standard (Udall-Platts Amendment)
Congressman Bartlett said, “A Renewable Portfolio Standard that is achievable, flexible and affordable will contribute to making our environment and our economy more secure by diversifying and securing domestic energy supplies, reducing global warming pollution, and reducing electricity costs. I voted no on the Udall-Platts RPS amendment because of the lack of flexibility for states, restrictive definitions of allowable renewable resources, and exemptions of some utilities that would impose higher costs impose upon Marylanders.”
The Udall amendment was approved 220 to 190. Congressman Bartlett was among 152 Republicans and 38 Democrats voting no. 188 Democrats and 32 Republicans voted yes.
National Interest Electricity Transmission Corridor Restrictions (Arcuri Amendment)
Congressman Bartlett said, “I voted no. Maryland imports 25% of our electricity. It doesn’t make sense to me to increase the dangers of blackouts and congestion fees that will increase electricity rates for residents and businesses in the Maryland-DC-Virginia region.”
The Arcuri Amendment was defeated by a vote of 245 to 169. Congressman Bartlett was among 161 Republicans and 85 Democrats who voted no. 143 Democrats and 25 Republicans voted yes.
Substitute Bill to Permit Drilling in ANWR and the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)
Congressman Bartlett said, “I voted no and will continue to oppose accelerating the depletion of America’s precious oil and natural gas reserves without rigorous conservation and efficiency.”
The substitute was defeated by a vote of 244 to 169. Congressman Bartlett was among 27 Republicans and 217 Democrats who voted no. 7 Democrats and 162 Republicans voted yes.
Votes on the Energy Tax bill, H.R. 2776, were expected later this evening. Congressman Bartlett will vote no.
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