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Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Rep. John E. Peterson, R-Pleasantville, offered and placed an amendment in the Legislative Branch appropriations bill during full committee markup.
Passed out of full committee today, the Legislative Branch appropriations bill directed $2.75 million for the purchase of natural gas during fiscal year 2008, which will be used in the heating and cooling of the Capitol. This transformation was part of an overarching Greening of the Capitol Initiative set forth by Speaker Pelosi.
The Peterson amendment will direct the federal government to study the expected increase of natural gas usage and associated costs of converting the Capitol Power Plant to natural gas for heating and cooling needs. Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, the Peterson amendment calls for the analysis of theoretical consumer costs, if this same percentage of natural gas that is being applied to heat and cool the Capitol, would be applied nationally.
Peterson was sure to cite that if the Capitol’s natural gas increase was increased on the same scale nationally, prices would incontestably increase, while domestic production remains minimal.
“Securing the passage of my amendment this afternoon is a win for consumers. While the federal government and members of Congress may be able to direct the people’s money as they see fit, small business owners and families cannot do they same and must live within legitimate budgets,” said Peterson. “I applaud Speaker Pelosi for her willingness to move to clean, green natural gas to heat and cool the Capitol. However, I take issue in the fact that the Speaker’s plan doesn’t adequately address the long term availability of our natural gas supply. In fact, I believe that it’s fairly hypocritical that Speaker Pelosi is mandating use of natural gas, yet continues to reject further domestic production.”
“If we, as a country, continue to increase our use and demand for natural gas – our cleanest carbon based energy and bridge to alternative fuels – while Congress and the president consistently refuse to unlock these vital offshore resources, we will unquestionably face non-recoverable economic strife,” Peterson said. “I believe that it’s unfair for the government to arbitrarily set its energy standards, while folks across the country – including plants in my district – can’t afford to stay open because of the high natural prices that Americans are forced to pay.”
Peterson, considered among the most outspoken House members for expanding domestic energy production, specifically natural gas, will unveil a standalone bill – the National Environment and Energy Development (NEED) Act – in the coming weeks. The appropriator’s legislation will lift the congressional moratoria for natural gas leasing on the OCS. The bipartisan measure will ensure state’s rights, direct royalties to environmental restoration funds, and producing states and will include strong labor provisions.
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