WASHINGTON – Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6) issued the following statement on the energy bill spearheaded by Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) which passed the House today on a partisan vote of 235-181. Republicans were prohibited from offering a number of amendments to improve the bill, which Bachus voted against.
"This legislation does nothing to promote the development of nuclear power, or develop our coal, natural gas, and oil reserves. In fact, by imposing new taxes on production, it discourages further development of our energy reserves and increases our dependency on OPEC and foreign oil.
"We desperately need to increase our energy supplies to keep our manufacturers here at home more competitive. The bill does just the opposite.
"Alabama does not produce sufficient wind or solar power to meet the legislation’s mandate so we will have to buy higher-priced renewable energy from other states. This will lead to higher electricity bills, a hardship on senior and low income citizens."