Neil's Notebook - Minnesota's Walz among members of bipartisan Energy Working Group
July 24, 2008
The following news release is from Congressman Tim Walz:
WALZ AMONG BI-PARTISAN GROUP OF LAWMAKERS PROMOTING COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTIONS TO ENERGY CRISIS >>Walz champions Wind Production Tax Credit bill as part of the answer
(Washington, D.C.) -- Today, Congressman Tim Walz announced that he has been working with a group of Republican and Democratic lawmakers in an effort to develop a bipartisan, common-sense solution to America’s energy crisis.
Walz joined the House Energy Working Group, led by Congressman Neil Abercrombie (D-HI) and Congressman John Peterson (R-PA), to promote a comprehensive solution to the escalating energy crisis and address sky-rocketing gas prices facing Americans when they pull up to the pump. He has encouraged Republican and Democratic leaders in Washington to end the partisan bickering and finger-pointing on this serious problem.
“Whether in the military or in our public schools, I’ve found throughout my life that working together and finding common ground is essential,” said Walz. “So far, the leadership on both sides of the aisle in Washington has at times taken a partisan approach to addressing our energy crisis. I’m not satisfied with that. This bipartisan energy working group is developing a more comprehensive approach. As I have said before, I am open to expanding domestic drilling and increasing oil production at home in a responsible manner so long as it is a part of a short and long term strategy that includes conservation, speeds up development of affordable new fuels and cracks down on speculation. I am championing my Wind Production Tax Credit bill to be a part of the comprehensive approach.”
Walz continued, “As a part of our common-ground package, I’m encouraging my colleagues to consider the Wind Production Tax Credit bill that I introduced last year. The bill expands the tax credit so that entrepreneurs and residents in rural America can join together to tap into American home grown ingenuity by investing in wind energy. It is critical that our local residents reap the financial rewards as wind energy becomes a larger part of our nation’s energy future.”
The House Bipartisan Energy Working Group is currently developing legislation. Membership is comprised of rank-and-file Republican and Democratic Members who are committed to accomplishing one goal: A comprehensive, responsible energy plan for the American people.
Photo Below: Congressman Walz (third from right) visits the Bingham Lake Wind Farm in Minnesota to discuss energy policy.
