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Pelosi, Democrats Announce America’s ‘Energy Independence Day’ Legislation

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi was joined by other Democratic Leaders and Committee Chairs to announce the “Energy Independence Day” legislation at a news conference this morning.  Below are her opening remarks:

“Good morning.  Today, in the tradition of our Founding Fathers and in the interest of our children and our grandchildren, we begin a new American revolution. 

“With confidence in American ingenuity and high faith in our future, we Democrats declare America’s independence from foreign oil.  For their extraordinary efforts I thank our chairs, Chairman Dingell, Chairman Obey, Chairman Rangel, Chairman Miller, Chairman Oberstar, Chairman Waxman, Chairman Rahall, Chairman Lantos, Chairman Gordon, Chairman Peterson, and Chairwoman Velazquez. 

“At the beginning of this Congress, I asked our distinguished chairs to bring to the House of Representatives legislation that addressed the issues of energy independence and reversing global warming, and to do so in a way that promoted innovation, to create small businesses in our country, and to do so in a way that was fiscally sound. 

“On the 11 committees of jurisdiction that relates to energy independence and global warming, almost every Member of Congress serves.  So almost every Member of Congress, Democrat and Republican alike, has had an opportunity to weigh in on the legislation that I am announcing today. 

“As promised, as part of our open process that allowed Republicans and Democrats to weigh in on the House committees, the committee chairs crafted a New Direction energy independence initiative. 

“The legislation that we’ll hear about this morning strengthens our national security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil.  It provides the largest investment in home grown biofuels and supports clean, renewable energy.  It lowers energy costs for the consumers with greater efficiency and smarter technology – including a landmark increase in efficiency to reduce consumer energy costs. 

“It creates new jobs, new technologies and innovation, and invests in cutting-edge research, supports small business, creates energy solutions, and creates ‘good green’ jobs.

“It combats the climate crisis; it presses the Administration to take the lead in fighting global warming, and builds on our ‘Green the Capitol’ initiative by mandating that the federal government require federal government operations to be carbon neutral by 2050. 

“When it comes to energy, we must think big and lead the future.  We must be bold; we must declare independence from yesterday’s thinking and invest in energy solutions of tomorrow. 

“That is what the Democratic energy independence initiative does and I am proud to present it to the American people today.  It’s an exciting day for all of us, because true to the traditions of our founders, as we approach July 4th Independence Day, my favorite day of the year, we have more reason to honor our founders, honoring their legacy of independence, of optimism, of confidence in the future, and the ingenuity of the American people. 

“And in that spirit I’m pleased to yield, with great gratitude and appreciation for his leadership, the distinguished chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Mr. Dingell.”

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