Energy Debate Continues on Earth Day

By Suzia van Swol, University of New Mexico-Talk Radio News
The House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee celebrated Earth Day by hearing testimony on the American Clean Energy and Security Act from 21 witnesses, including U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Lisa Jackson.

Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Subcommittee Chairman Ed Markey (D-MA) released draft legislation three weeks ago to reduce American dependence on foreign oil and introduces a clean energy requirement for electric utilities and new energy efficiency programs. The legislation also places a cap on greenhouse-gas pollution and institutes low-carbon requirements for vehicles and fuels.

Rep. Waxman said that “it is no longer a question whether we will act to reduce CO2 emissions,” but “the real question is whether we will do so in a way that strengthens our economy, creates new jobs, and ends our dangerous dependence on foreign oil.”

Rep. Markey said: “We cannot continue energy policies that look to last century’s energy sources while other nations race ahead to take the lead in developing and marketing clean energy technologies and green jobs.”

Secretary of Energy Steven Chu said America “will continue to use coal as a fuel, but we must learn to do so in a cleaner way.”

The Obama administration believes a Renewable Electricity Standard would create jobs and that a gradual, market-based cap on carbon pollution would restore America’s leadership in clean energy technology.

“We need not only jump-start our economy today but to lay the foundation for America’s long term prosperity,” said Chu.

Lisa Jackson, Administrator with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, said that “lasting economic recovery will come only when the federal government looks beyond the quick fix and invests in building the advanced energy industries that will help restore America’s economic health over the long term.”

Republicans fear that this legislation is going to cost Americans up to $3,128 in raised energy costs and Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) said that “you name the cost, and it’s going to go up.”

Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) said that nuclear power needs to be addressed and he feels the middle class will end up paying for raised energy costs. We will “essentially kick working families when they’re down,” said Upton.