Friday, June 26, 2009

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District spoke today on the House floor on an amendment she offered with Representatives Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico.  The amendment was included as a provision in the Manager’s amendment.  Below are her remarks as delivered.

“I rise today in strong support of the Titus-Giffords-Heinrich amendment, which the Manager’s amendment incorporates into the American Clean Energy and Security Act.

“Our amendment will create clean energy jobs, promote deployment of renewable energy technology, and put the federal government in the position to lead by example.

“Our amendment extends the limit for the federal government to 20 years on a contract for the acquisition of electricity generated from a renewable energy resource – often referred to as a power purchase agreement.  This provision will encourage wide-scale deployment of renewable energy technology at federal buildings, BLM land, and superfund sites.  Additionally, it will allow agencies to plan for more sustainable and affordable energy use over an extended period of time.  This small change will open the door to government investments in cleaner, more sustainable and ultimately more cost-beneficial energy technologies.

“Our amendment also establishes a Renewable Electricity Standard for federal agencies.  This RES will ensure that the federal government meets 20 percent of its electricity demand through renewable energy by 2020.  It will drive demand for new clean energy technologies and help create new clean energy jobs.  Indeed, we will be leading by example.

“I’m proud to have joined with my fellow members of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, chaired by Jay Inslee and Steve Israel, on this provision.  I would like to thank Chairman Waxman for his assistance with this important amendment.”

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Tags: energy, jobs