Energy Independence and Environmental Protection Prioritized in Energy & Water Appropriations Bill

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) applauded the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2010 for its support of all areas of energy, significant investments in critical infrastructure, and advancement of non-proliferation efforts. The bill was approved by the full Appropriations Committee Tuesday [7 July] evening and will now be debated by the House, following passage there, the legislation will also need to be voted on by the Senate, approved by both chambers and signed by the President.

"This Congress has made energy reform a priority. And with this year's Energy and Water Appropriations bill we make the financial investments in renewable and alternative energies, as well as in our water infrastructure," said DeLauro. "In doing so we will promote increased energy efficiency, continue to develop renewable and alternative fuels, address rising gas prices, and reduce the pollution that causes global warming."

The bill totals $33.3 billion in discretionary spending for fiscal year 2010 – $29 million over 2009 and nearly $1.1 billion below the President's request. This includes $26.88 billion for the Department of Energy – $88 million above 2009 and $1.5 billion below the President's request – and $5.54 billion for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – $139 million above 2009 and $416 million above the President's request.

With higher energy prices, continued dependence on foreign sources of energy, and growing concerns about climate change, DeLauro advocated for considerable investments in renewable and alternative energy technology.

Addressing rising fuel prices: $1 billion in addition to investment made through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, for research, development, demonstration, and deployment of energy technologies that increase vehicle efficiency, advance new alternative fuel technologies for next-generation biofuels, and help the nation reduce its dependence on petroleum-based fuels. While funding through these appropriations will not reduce fuel prices immediately, these funds are the investment necessary to find lasting solutions.

Energy Efficiency Block Grants: $295 million to enable cities and counties to undertake locally-based energy efficiency, conservation and production initiatives; and Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability: $208 million – 52% over 2009 – to ensure an efficient, reliable, secure, and flexible transmission and distribution grid. Weatherization Assistance Program: $220 million to reduce costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes. State Energy Program: $75 million – $25 million above 2009 – states use these grants at the state and local level to create green jobs, address state energy priorities, and adopt emerging renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. For every dollar invested in the program $7.22 is saved in energy costs.

Efficiency and Renewable Energy programs: $2.25 billion to fund programs aimed at ensuring we use existing resources more efficiently and develop new, clean and affordable energy supplies. These programs have proven to be among the most cost-effective in the federal energy portfolio and yield significant environmental, economic, national security, and public health benefits

Department of Energy's Office of Science: $4.9 billion to develop the knowledge and the technologies essential to ensuring the nation's future energy security, as well as ensure the U.S. retains its dominance in such key scientific fields as biotechnology, nanotechnology, materials science, and supercomputing well into the next century.

Hydrogen-Powered Transportation Systems: $40 million for, as the nation to continue exploring all viable options to meet our pressing energy challenges.

The Energy and Water Bill for fiscal year 2010 includes funding for the following Connecticut initiatives:

Dredged Material Management Plan project, $4 million: for the development of the Long Island Sound Dredged Material Management Plan, which is vital to guide the long-term maintenance of commercial and recreational harbors in and around Long Island Sound in an environmentally and economically sound manner.

Bio-Energy Initiative for Connecticut, $1.5 million (University of Connecticut): for a program at UConn to improve bio energy feed stocks in Connecticut, innovate enhanced refining technologies that can scale up to meet demand, and help lead a statewide shift to bio-energy to meet a portion of the state's energy needs.