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Energy
Home Energy Prices * Energy
for our Future Act * ANWR * LNG
* CAFE Standards * Energy
Legislation in 110th Congress * Renewable
Energy and Energy Efficiency * Report
Gas Price Gouging * Energy Conservation Tips
Protecting our environment and promoting energy independence are
two of the most important jobs I have as a Member of Congress. The
fact is with only three percent of the world's oil but 25 percent
of its use, the U.S. can never drill our way to energy security.
I believe our policy should reduce demand for oil by emphasizing
conservation, and promoting the use of alternative energy sources,
such as solar power.
Our national security is threatened by our dependence on foreign
countries that do not share our views on democracy or our commitment
to combat radical Islamist terrorists. Over half of the oil we use
is imported and our dependence will only increase in the future.
By relying on oil from OPEC in the Middle East and countries like
Venezuela and Nigeria, we place our national security in the hands
of authoritarian governments.
Home
Energy Prices
I am concerned about the high cost of heating oil. Of the 8.1 million
households in the U.S. that use heating oil to heat their homes,
roughly 78 percent are located in the Northeast. That means the
demand and price for oil in our region are particularly high. Even
before recent price increases, heating oil prices have been high
because American consumption of oil has been increasing at an unsustainable
rate. In 1995 we consumed 17.7 million barrels of oil per day, but
today we consume 20 million barrels per day.
Click Here for
Department of Energy Information to Help Lower Your Energy Bills
I am also concerned about the high cost of natural gas. As a Southern
Connecticut Gas customer, the cost to heat my house has gone up
dramatically. Like other commodities, natural gas prices go up and
down as supply and demand change. Additionally, the price of natural
gas, which has increased dramatically in two of the past three heating
seasons, is impacted by regulation. While pipeline rates are federally
monitored, distribution charges are regulated at the state level.
To ensure natural gas companies are not unfairly manipulating prices,
I
joined the entire Connecticut delegation in requesting a Government
Accountability Office report on market supply and manipulation of
natural gas prices.
Click here to learn more about Natural
Gas Markets.
Energy for Our Future Act
On April 19, 2007, I reintroduced the Energy for Our Future Act
(H.R. 1945) with Congressman Maurice Hinchey. This legislation has
three principal goals for our national energy policy: improving
the fuel efficiency of passenger vehicles; incentivizing the purchase
of energy-efficient appliances; and repealing extraneous tax breaks
for industries that are very profitable and have plenty of incentive
to develop additional supply.
Click here to read more about the Energy
for Our Future Act
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
(ANWR)
I oppose drilling in the Arctic National
Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), and for the past six years, I have been
an active and vocal opponent of numerous legislative attempts to
drill in ANWR. We were successful on every attempt. I am a cosponsor
of H.R.
39, the Udall-Eisenhower Arctic Wilderness Act, which designates
specified lands within the ANWR as wilderness and components of
the National Wilderness Preservation
In my judgment, it would be far better to develop prudent and lasting
alternate fuel energies than to risk irreparable damage to the wilderness
of one of North America's most beautiful frontiers and establish
a precedent to allow oil and gas development in our few remaining
pristine natural areas.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Facilities
While I believe liquefied natural gas is a viable alternative energy
source, I
do not support the placement of an LNG facility in the middle of
Long Island Sound. Protecting our environment and promoting
energy independence are two of the most important jobs I have as
a Member of Congress.
Long Island Sound is our Yellowstone. It would be unthinkable to
site an industrial facility in the middle of it.
There is very little information on the impacts of floating regasification
facilities, since there are so few currently in existence. However,
there are four primary concerns. First, trenching to connect the
barge to existing gas pipelines would cause significant damage to
the seabed. Second, the intake and discharge of the giant facility
would degrade the water quality. Third, potential explosions from
platform operations, other technical malfunctions and tankers bringing
shipments of LNG into the facility will threaten human and ecological
safety. Finally, Broadwater, particularly where it is located, would
set a precedent that could lead to unwise industrialization of Long
Island Sound.
You may be interested to know, during debate on the House version
of H.R. 6, the Energy Policy Act,
I cosponsored an amendment striking a provision that allows LNG
terminals to be built without state approval. States and localities
should be able to maintain the ability to block or approve decisions
that could pose serious environmental and health hazards to its
coastal areas and its citizens. Unfortunately, this amendment failed
by a vote of 194 to 237.
CAFE Standards
I agree with you and believe raising CAFE standards is one of the
most significant steps we can take as a nation to reduce our dependence
on foreign oil, improve our national security, and protect our environment
and economy. Even a modest increase in CAFE standards would save
more oil than would be produced by drilling in the Arctic National
Refuge.
I am an original cosponsor of H.R.
1506, the Fuel Economy Reform Act, which would raise CAFE standards
for automobiles and light trucks from today's average of 25 miles
per gallon to 36 miles per gallon by 2018.
You may be interested to know, the Energy for Our Future Act increases
CAFE standards for cars and light trucks even further than H.R.
1506. This legislation would increase CAFE standards from today's
average of 25 miles per gallon to 40 miles per gallon by 2018, which
would save four to five million barrels of oil per day by 2022.
Click
Here to Learn More About CAFE Standards
Energy Legislation in 110th Congress
I voted for
H.R. 3221, the New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security
and Consumer Protection Act, which passed the House by a vote
of 241 to 172 on August 4. This bill sets new efficiency standards
for appliances, lighting and buildings, authorize several grants
for research into sustainable energy sources and alternative fuels,
introduces new tax credits to encourage energy efficiency, and articulates
a national commitment to pledge all major greenhouse gas emitting
countries to reduce their emissions. I also voted for an amendment
to increase the renewable portfolio standard for electricity companies,
requiring suppliers to provide 15 percent of the electricity from
renewable sources by 2020, up form the current 10 percent requirement.
I also voted for
H.R. 2776, the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act,
which passed the House by a vote of 221 to 189, on August 4, 2007.
This legislation creates $16.1 billion in tax incentives over ten
years, offset primarily by reducing current tax benefits for oil
and gas companies. The bill will:
- Exempt oil companies from a manufacturing tax credit passed
in 2004, saving $6.3 billion over 10 years;
- Repeal "royalty relief" for oil and natural gas producers
who do not pay royalties on leased federal land;
- Require the renegotiation of leases in the Gulf of Mexico that
currently do not pay royalties to the federal government based
on contracts negotiated in 1998-1999, producing $14 billion in
revenue which will be redirected to a renewable energy and efficient
energy trust fund.
I have long advocated repealing some of the tax breaks we give
oil companies as "incentives" because our current market
place provides adequate incentive as is to find additional sources
of oil.
Click here to learn about my Amendment
to H.R. 3221
Click here to learn more about Energy Legislation
in the 110th Congress
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
I am an original cosponsor of H.R.
969, legislation to expand the renewable portfolio standard.
This legislation requires electric utilities to increase their use
of wind, solar and other renewable energy sources to 20 percent
by 2025. It is time to provide the incentives needed to finally
bring renewable energy into the mainstream and create a balanced
energy policy.
Currently, utilities are required to generate 10 percent of their
power from renewable sources by 2020, represents a sound compromise
and account for only two percent of our nation's electricity supply.
We need to increase the supply of clean, renewable energy, but we
also need to be more energy efficient and slow the growth of demand.
Gas Price Gouging
As we watch gas prices rise, it is especially important that consumers
be cognizant of possible price-gouging and to report it promptly.
I encourage you to follow this link to the Department of Energy
and fill out their on-line form if you believe there has been price-gouging
or price-fixing in your neighborhood.
Click
here to be directed to the Department of Energy price-gouging report
form.
Energy Conservation Tips
Here are some useful links from the Department
of Energy, Energy Star
and the Institute for Sustainable
Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University.
For energy-saving tips from the Bonneville
Power Administration: Cooling Tips, Appliance
Tips, Lighting Tips, and Workplace
Tips.
Cooling Tips
1. Keep air conditioner filters clean. Air conditioner
filters should be cleaned or replaced once a month during use.
2. Maintain unobstructed airflow around vents and filters.
3. Maintain 78ºF (26ºC). For every degree you
lower the temperature, the energy costs rise by 6 percent. A temperature
setting of 75ºF (24ºC) costs 18 percent more; a 72ºF
(22ºC) setting costs 36 percent more.
4. Use a programmable thermostat. No need to run the air
conditioner when no one is home. Set timers to have the air conditioning
come on 30 minutes before anyone arrives home.
5. Keep doors closed. Enter and exit your home quickly
to keep cooled air in the house.
6. Install a ceiling fan in rooms that are used often.
Occupants feel as cool under a ceiling fan at 82ºF (28ºC)
as in 77ºF (25ºC) still air.
7. Insulation is important. Make sure your home has the
appropriate amount of insulation in walls, attics and crawl spaces.
8. Open windows at night. To take advantage of naturally
cool night air when possible.
9. Plant deciduous shade trees. Shade trees absorb radiant
heat before it warms your house, and planting trees helps clean
the air, too.
Tips for Appliances
1. Maintain the right temperature in your refrigerator and freezer.
Refrigerators can use up to 20 percent of the total electricity
in your home. The refrigerator should be set between 38ºF (3ºC)
and 42ºF (6ºC). The freezer should be set between 0ºF
(-31ºC) and 5ºF (-26ºC).
2. Keep them full. A full refrigerator takes less energy
than an empty one. Fill extra space with gallon jugs of water placed
in the back of both the freezer and refrigerator.
3. Clean the condenser coils. Dust and pet hair can build
up and cause the refrigerator motor to work harder. Clean them at
least twice a year. The coils are located on the bottom or the back
side of most models.
4. The doors should close tightly and stay closed. Check
the seals for cracks or worn areas. If there are any, replace them.
5. Open the refrigerator door as little as possible. Every
time the door opens, warm air rushes in.
6. Let food cool. Don't place hot or even warm food directly
inside the refrigerator. Let it cool first.
7. Always cover everything. Humidity escapes from uncovered
foods. The compressor must work harder to remove the excess humidity.
8. Defrost food in the refrigerator. Instead of defrosting
food on the counter where it may spoil, place it in the refrigerator
24 hours before you need it. This will help keep the temperature
down in the refrigerator while it thaws.
9. Replace appliances with energy-efficient models. When
old models wear out, replace them with appliances that have earned
the Energy Star label.
10. Use microwaves for most cooking. A microwave does small
and medium cooking jobs more efficiently than an oven or range top.
11. Choose the right pan for the job. When using the range
top, remember to match the pan with the similar sized heating element.
12. Use all appliances wisely. TVs, radios, computers and
vacuum cleaners use relatively small amounts of electricity. But
they add up. Don't leave on appliances when they are not in use.
13. Wash only full loads in the dishwasher.
14. Wash clothes in cold water. Use cold temperature detergents,
and always have a full load. Also, 15 minutes of presoaking and
5 minutes of agitation get clothes cleaner than 15 minutes of agitation.
15. Don't over-dry clothes in the dryer. Consider using
drying clothes racks in the house or resurrect grandmother's clothesline
outside during nice weather.
Lighting Tips
1. Switch to compact fluorescent bulbs in light fixtures used
the most. The normal incandescent bulbs we're all used to are
not very energy efficient. Compact fluorescent bulbs use about 25
percent of the energy and can last 10 times as long.
2. Turn off unnecessary lighting. Get in the habit of turning
off the light when you leave a room.
3. Use outdoor motion detectors and timers where appropriate.
Instead of leaving outdoor lights on all night, let these handy
devices turn them on when they detect motion. Position the sensor
carefully to avoid false triggering. With motion detectors, use
the lowest wattage incandescent bulb that will do the job. If security
is a concern, leave a low-wattage porch light on all night.
4. Use low-wattage CFLs where applicable. For example,
bright lights are rarely necessary in closets and hallways. Switch
to low-wattage CFLs and save some energy.
5. Dust off light bulbs. Dirty, greasy, smoky light bulbs
can reduce light output by as much as 10 percent. Dust bulbs and
lenses regularly. (Make sure they are cool before touching them.)
You'll avoid the tendency of switching to a higher wattage bulb,
which will use more energy.
6. Remove unnecessary lighting. Use only the number of
bulbs needed to light an area. In track lighting, three bulbs can
usually do the same job as four if they are positioned accurately.
7. Use light from windows. Natural light is more efficient
than electric, not to mention free. When you're not frolicking in
your pajamas, leave the curtains open.
8. Paint and decorate in light colors. Dark colors absorb
light. Light colors reflect light. The lighter the colors, the less
artificial lighting is required to illuminate the area.
9. Use timers when on vacation. Not only will it save energy
when lights are on timers, but burglars and prowlers will have no
idea that you're in the Bahamas basking in the sun. Set your timer
to turn lights on and off at different times on different days.
Your home looks more lived in this way.
10. Install dimmers in areas where dimmed lighting makes sense,
like the dining room.
11. Check your lamp shades. Many shades are decorative
but absorb light or reflect it in the wrong direction. Consider
switching to a more efficient shade in a lighter color.
12. Use task lighting. If you're working specifically at
a desk or workbench, other light in the room could be turned off
or dimmed.
Workplace Tips
1. Switch to energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps.
They use about 25 percent as much energy and can last ten times
longer, saving energy and replacement labor. Add occupancy sensors
in rooms that are not occupied constantly, such as conference rooms,
lunchrooms and restooms.
2. Remove excess lights. Many buildings have more lighting
then needed. In some areas, half the light may be sufficient. When
removing excess fluorescent tubes, remember to disconnect the ballasts
that serve them.
3. Install separate switches for smaller areas. Some businesses
have dozens of lights controlled by a single switch, and not all
are needed at the same time. Have an electrician rewire lights into
smaller groups on independent switches.
4. Keep the heating and cooling to a minimum. Heating and
cooling accounts for half of the total energy use in office buildings.
Request the heat set at 65ºF (18ºC) and the air conditioning
at 76ºF (24ºC), and use a programmable thermostat to set
back the temperature at night, on weekends and holidays.
5. Shut computers off at night. A computer or printer can
use over 100 watts of power. When replacing computers, purchase
new energy-efficient models that use less energy.
6. Fax and copy only when really necessary.
7. Keep heating vents unobstructed.
8. Open freight doors only when needed. As soon as a delivery
is complete, close the doors to conserve energy.
9. Use rotating doors. When a choice is available, use
rotating doors instead of standard hinged or sliding doors. They
allow less heat and air conditioning to escape.
10. Turn off elevators. On the weekend, in the evening
or during holidays a minimum number of elevators likely will be
adequate. Turn off extra elevators for annual savings.
11. Replace burned-out motors with energy-efficient models.
Retrofit building pump and fan motors with variable frequency drives
when possible.
Department of Energy websites offer practical advice for energy
conservation:
Weatherization
Assistance
Energy Saving Tips
***Tips provided by Bonneville Power Administration (bpa.gov)
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