Press Release

ARCURI VOTES TO INCREASE INVESTMENT IN RENEWABLE ENERGY

Washington, DC -- U.S. Rep. Michael A. Arcuri (D-Utica) today voted in favor of the CLEAN Energy Act (H.R. 6), which would increase federal investment in renewable energy, while repealing subsidies to big oil companies.

“As I traveled around the district this past year, one of the top concerns was the high price of gas and home heating oil,” Arcuri said. “As hard-working families struggled to fill up the family car, they read newspaper reports about billion dollar paychecks for Big Oil CEOs, who have enjoyed record profits in the last 10 years.”

“The CLEAN Energy Act addresses one of the most fundamental and pressing concerns facing our country: the importance of our country’s energy independence. But we have to face facts, and the fact of the matter is: oil is a finite resource. I am proud to represent an area of the country that is truly ahead of the curve in private development and use of alternative energies like wind and solar power.  We need to encourage this research all across the country.” 

“The U.S. sends about $800 million per day to the Middle East and other oil producing countries, many with leaders who are outright hostile to our country. By investing in renewable energy we can make America safer, grow our economy, and keep our air and water clean for generations to come,” Arcuri said.

The CLEAN Energy Act would repeal $14 billion in subsidies given to big oil and gas companies over 10 years and invest those funds in clean, renewable energy research and development.  Additionally, the measure would ensure oil companies that were awarded the 1998 and 1999 leases for drilling pay correct royalties to the federal government.  Finally, the bill would create a Strategic Renewable Energy Reserve to invest in clean, renewable energy resources and alternative fuels, promote new energy technologies, develop greater efficiency and improve energy conservation.

A copy of remarks delivered by Arcuri on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives during debate earlier today on the CLEAN Energy Act is included below:

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THE HONORABLE MICHAEL A. ARCURI
New York’s 24th Congressional District
U.S. House of Representatives
January 18, 2006

Floor Statement: H.R. 6, CLEAN Energy Act of 2007

I thank the gentleman from Tennessee for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the CLEAN Energy Act of 2007.

My constituents in Upstate New York are reminded of high energy prices every time they receive their home heating bills.  But even more so during these frigid winter months. 

They also know that energy prices will continue to soar if we do not act now to reduce our dependence on oil and other fossil fuels. 

However, we must address our long-term energy demands with more than just short-term solutions like drilling for oil.

We have to face facts: oil is a finite resource.  We ought to be investing in a wide-array of cleaner, renewable forms of energy, like wind, solar, cellulosic ethanol and expanded hydroelectric generation.

The giveaways this legislation will reclaim from the oil and gas industry will be placed into a “Renewable Energy Account” to fund research and development of alternative fuels – providing a much-needed new direction to address our nation’s growing energy needs.

It is important to note that we do not pass this legislation today for ourselves, but rather that we do it for our children and our children’s children. 

Thank you.  I yield back the balance of my time.

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