Statement of the Hon. James R. Langevin, a Representative in Congress from the State of Rhode Island

Chairman McCrery, Ranking Member McNulty, and esteemed members of the Committee, I appreciate the opportunity to join you today in addressing the need for a national energy strategy, and I thank you for convening this hearing.

The rolling blackouts in California and the high price of gasoline have focused national attention on the need for a comprehensive energy policy for the United States. We must ensure that a national strategy addresses short-term energy problems such as rising costs, while encouraging the development of clean and diverse energy supplies to meet our growing need for power. Through a variety of tax incentives, we can foster conservation efforts and encourage the production of clean, renewable energy.

Most importantly, we must dispel the myth that the energy situation in the Western United States is not a national problem. I am concerned by repeated statements from the Administration that energy shortfalls are attributable to faulty state laws and should therefore be left to the California legislature for resolution. As the fifth largest economy in the world, California is inextricably tied to the rest of the nation, and any state economic downturn will certainly spill beyond her borders and have disastrous effects across our nation and among our neighbors. Even Rhode Island residents are keeping a watchful eye on other energy markets. While New England is expected to have a sufficient supply of electricity from diverse sources this summer, any shortfalls in New York may have adverse effects on our residents through increased prices. Congress has a unique opportunity to address our existing energy concerns while laying the groundwork for a national strategy that meets our future needs.

One of the simplest methods to prevent skyrocketing energy consumption in the United States is to promote conservation efforts among residential and business customers. Congress should pursue tax credits to encourage both the construction of new energy-efficient homes and buildings as well as the purchase of efficient appliances, heating and cooling equipment, lighting, windows and doors, and other devices. Additionally, Congress should support conservation efforts by providing tax credits for the purchase of fuel-efficient vehicles. The automobile industry has the technology to bring high-efficiency and alternative fuel vehicles to market, and we should provide incentives to increase the use of such vehicles in the U.S. Ideally, vehicle tax credits should be coupled with an increase in corporate average fuel efficiency (CAFE) standards, so that our nation’s vehicle fleet will help reduce, not exacerbate, our consumption of fossil fuels.

However, I recognize that conservation will not meet all of our nation’s energy needs, and I support tax credits to encourage the production of clean and renewable energy sources. Most importantly, we must extend the existing investment credit for wind and biomass energy, and expand the credit for solar and geothermal energy. By encouraging further development and production of these sources, we can make them competitive with fossil fuels, and will ultimately diversify our nation’s energy supply. Additionally, Congress must promote responsible fossil fuel production, and develop existing oil and gas fields before even considering exploration in new areas.

When major nationwide concerns about energy first arose, I saw that the situation in California presented an opportunity for Congress and the Administration to develop a forward-looking, comprehensive energy policy for the United States. Now, however, I question the future of these efforts in light of the $1.35 trillion tax cut that was recently signed into law. Whereas three months ago, Congress had the resources to initiate fundamental changes to our energy policy through tax incentives, the meager sums remaining in our coffers make any new energy investments more daunting. I sincerely hope that those benefiting most from the tax cut recognize the importance of conservation, renewable and alternative fuels, and energy infrastructure and invest their rewards accordingly.

It is incumbent on Congress to work actively on this issue and to find the resources needed to implement a national energy strategy. We should target our immediate efforts to working- and middle-class families to help them address rising energy costs through conservation and efficiency efforts. Programs such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) have been effective tools in mitigating the high cost of energy for low-income households and seniors, and Congress must continue its strong commitment to these initiatives.

I know that the people of Rhode Island are looking to the federal government for leadership on this issue, and I am eager to work with you to develop legislation that meets our current and future energy needs in an environmentally and fiscally responsible manner.

Thank you.