May 25, 2007

            “Americans are facing higher prices at the gas pump,” Hall said.  “We must build on efforts to increase domestic energy supplies, fund research in alternative energy sources and secure America’s independence from foreign oil.” 

            This week Hall introduced H.R. 2396, a bill to increase the capacity of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to 1.5 billion barrels to help ensure energy security in times of national emergencies.  Joining Hall as original sponsors are Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX), Rep. Nick Lampson (D-TX), and Rep. Chip Pickering (R-MS).    

“As demand for energy has increased, so has the need to increase reserve capacity,” Hall said.  “This legislation will continue efforts to provide a 90-day energy supply if needed.  We must be prepared for any situation – political unrest in countries that supply a large portion of our energy needs, acts of terrorism, or natural events such as hurricanes.”

“Increasing reserve capacity is only one component of energy security.  We also need to increase production, research and development in alternative and cutting-edge energy technologies, conservation and efficiency,” Hall noted.

            Hall is cosponsoring H.R. 2279, legislation introduced by Rep. Joe Pitts of Pennsylvania, to expand America’s oil refining capacity by expediting the construction of new refining capacity on closed military installations.  Hall supported this legislation in the previous Congress. 

            “No new oil refinery has been built in the United States in more than 30 years,” Hall said.  “We need more refinery capacity, and building on closed military bases would be an ideal place to start.  Expanding our refining capacity could help us achieve more energy independence and also help stabilize our domestic gas prices.”

            In addition, last evening Hall introduced H.R. 2483, Energy for America, a multi-targeted bill aimed at reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil by promoting research and development in various energy sectors.  Hall is Ranking Member of the Science and Technology Committee, which will have jurisdiction over this legislation.

            “I have long argued that responsible energy policy must focus both on long-term and short-term solutions.  We need to develop technologies to make coal and oil more efficient in the short term, while in the long term promote investments in cutting edge research that will one day generate a breakthrough energy technology to fuel our economy,” Hall stressed.

“H.R. 2483 expands on many of the sensible Republican energy provisions that were included in the Energy Policy Act of 2005,” Hall noted.  “Advancements in carbon capture technology, vehicle and building efficiency, and next-generation biofuels technologies will not only help reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also fuel our expanding economy.” 

Specifically, H.R. 2483 includes provisions to promote the following initiatives:

·        Create a research, development, and demonstration program for advanced biofuels technologies. 

·        Create a basic and applied research program for energy storage solutions. 

·        Develop advanced vehicle technologies. 

·        Encourage high-risk/high-reward energy technology development.

·        Authorize training in advanced energy and green building technologies.

·        Establish a program to use water produced from domestic energy sources. 

·        Establish an advanced energy efficiency technology program for buildings. 

·        Authorize studies in the use of domestic clean coal. 

Joining Hall as original sponsors are Committee Members Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL), Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA), Rep. Bob Inglis (R-SC), Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), and Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX).