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Says PROGRESS Act Critical to Maryland’s Economy, Security and Environment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, March 01, 2007
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) today unveiled his Program for Energy Security (PROGRESS) Act, a comprehensive package of measures that represent a major national effort to make substantial gains in technology, conservation and vehicle efficiency, and the use of alternative fuels. The legislation, which was first introduced in the 109th Congress and is designed to compliment the Democrats’ Innovation Agenda and the Democratic Rural Working Group’s Biofuels Plan, will be reintroduced on Monday, with 100 original cosponsors – nearly a quarter of U.S. House members.
“It is time for America to engage in a “Manhattan style” project that brings government, business, and the science and environmental communities to the table to promote and expand alternative energy sources and make more efficient vehicles that burn cleaner fuels,” Hoyer said. “The PROGRESS Act is vital to our economic and national security and to keeping our nation and the State of Maryland strong, stable, and secure into the future.”
The PROGRESS Act has five major components:
• Establishes a Bipartisan National Energy Security Commission, bringing together government, industry and academic leaders to develop consensus national goals on energy – which Congress must act upon under expedited rules.
• Establishes a New Center for High Efficiency Vehicles, seeking to double the average vehicle efficiency and to diversify fuel types.
• Establishes a National Biofuels Infrastructure Development Program, providing grants to encourage the private sector to invest in wholesale and retail biofuel pumps, tanks, and related distribution equipment.
• Calls for a Stimulus Package to Upgrade the “Pipeline” for Biofuels – the freight rail system- while also providing grants to promote conservation alternatives such as public transit and commuter rail.
• Ensures Federal Government Leadership in the Use of the Alternatives to Oil by increasing the use of alternative fuels in federal and state fleets, developing biofuel plants in every region of the country and speeding development of standards that are needed to promote alternative fuels use.
The PROGRESS Act, which would bring together government, industry and academic leaders to develop national energy goals, stands to compliment and promote several important Maryland energy initiatives, with potential investments in energy infrastructure, research and development, and alternative energy production. For example, both the Maryland State Senate and Assembly voted recently to tighten car emissions rules by requiring manufacturers to sell more fuel-efficient vehicles that produce fewer carbon dioxide emissions. Rep. Hoyer's legislation would create investments in federal science and technology that could help the auto companies meet those goals.
One of the major focuses of the PROGRESS Act is a significant investment in biofuels infrastructure in order to make ethanol and other alternative fuels more available to consumers driving flex cars and hybrid vehicles. Such efforts would work to avoid distribution problems, such as those that occurred last year when there was a switch to “summer blend” fuel in the Mid-Atlantic region, the result of which contributed to higher prices at the pump.
Rep. Hoyer also pointed to rising energy prices and other economic indicators showing how an insufficient national energy policy has increased the burden on Maryland consumers. In the last six years, since President Bush took office, the average price of gasoline has risen from $1.55 to $2.38 per gallon, climbing as high as $3.04 at the peak of oil prices in the summer of 2006; the price of a crude oil per barrel has shot up from $20-$30 to a record $74.40 in July, 2006; and the average amount American families spend on gasoline has increased by a whopping 57 percent, from $1,440 to $2,520.
“Rising energy and gas prices are yet another reminder that our nation needs to rethink its reliance on petroleum and begin changing our economy to one that reduces energy consumption through increased efficiency and conservation and makes greater use of renewable energy sources,” added Hoyer.
By establishing a nationwide commitment to energy independence, the PROGRESS Act will work to achieve greater stability in energy and fuel prices in the long-term by diversifying the market to include alternative energy sources and by developing more energy efficient and environmentally friendly technologies. A diversified fuel market that includes greater shares of clean alternative energies and reduces America’s dependence on foreign oil would have widespread benefits to the economy, to the environment, and to America's national security.
“The issue of energy independence is far too important to the future of our children and our nation,” Hoyer said. “Fostering a safer, cleaner, and more prosperous America requires that we reduce our dependence on foreign oil. It is past due time to achieve real progress for America. I hope to work with my colleagues in the new Congress as well as with President Bush to pass this critical legislation and take action once and for all to achieve energy independence that strengthens our national security, boosts our economy, creates more jobs, and protects our environment for future generations.”
Click here to view press packet handed out at today's press conference.
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