Week In Review
House Resource Committee 6/18/04
 

Renewable, Comprehensive Energy Policies Pass House

"Soaring energy prices act like a tax hike on American families and our economy," Resources Committee Chairman Richard W. Pombo (R-CA) said.  "They slow economic growth and slash consumers' disposable income. That is why the House has acted again - for the fourth time - to pass a comprehensive energy policy.  A few obstructionists in the Senate apparently never got the message the first three times. We hope the fourth time is a charm."

The Renewable Energy Project Siting Improvement Act

Also approved this week was Chairman Pombo's Renewable Energy Project Siting Improvement Act, H.R. 4513.  Passed by a vote of 229 to 186, this bill streamlines the bureaucratic review process to bring more environmentally-friendly energy online in America.

 "The House passed my bill to stimulate the growth of renewable energy sources in America," Pombo said. "By eliminating the bureaucratic paperwork and red-tape involved in siting renewable power projects, this legislation will stimulate the growth of environmentally-friendly energy sources in America. We will create more good jobs in America to boot."

For more information, view the release.

 
Interior Appropriations

Victory for Recreation and Access

House Defeats Amendment Banning Snowmobiles

This week the House also voted to defeat an amendment to the Interior Appropriations bill that would have banned snowmobile use in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

"Common sense and balance between preservation and access won the day," said Chairman Pombo.  "This was an arbitrary, extreme, and unnecessary proposal that would have locked the public out of these parks and devastated local economies."

President Roosevelt eloquently stated the intent of the park when he dedicated the arch to the north entrance by saying, "This Park was created and is now administered for the benefit and enjoyment of the people...it is the property of Uncle Sam and therefore of us all."

For the joint statement from Chairman Pombo and Wyoming Representative Barabara Cubin, view the release.